July 28, 2026 – Students from the Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Tanjungpura (FEB UNTAN), participating in the Independent Study Program, conducted a field visit to partner institutions and border areas along the West Kalimantan (Indonesia)–Sarawak (Malaysia) border. The activity aimed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences while strengthening collaboration with partner institutions in supporting education, research, and community engagement.
On the first day, the students visited Jagoi Village and the Jagoi Babang Border Crossing Post (PLBN Jagoi Babang). During the visit, they carried out field reporting, documentation, and interviews with Misdo Jerry S.G. Purba, S.AP., Head of the Jagoi Babang Border Crossing Post Division. The interview provided valuable insights into the strategic role of the border crossing post in facilitating cross-border services, supporting community mobility, and promoting economic development in the border region.
The second day of the program continued with visits to Sebunga Village and the Aruk Border Crossing Post (PLBN Aruk). In addition to field observations and data collection, the students signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the partner institutions visited, with the exception of PLBN Jagoi Babang. These agreements marked an important step toward establishing sustainable collaboration between the Economics Study Program of FEB UNTAN and its partners in the border region.
Throughout the visit, the students also engaged in discussions with village officials and local stakeholders regarding the economic potential of the surrounding communities. The discussions explored opportunities for developing local economic sectors, empowering communities, and fostering collaborative initiatives to support sustainable regional development.
As part of the field research activities, the students conducted interviews with Jefri Arifiansyah, Head of the Aruk Border Crossing Post Division, to gain a deeper understanding of border management practices. They also interviewed a prospective legal Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) who was preparing for overseas employment, providing valuable perspectives on safe and regulated labor migration procedures. In addition, an interview with Sesilia, Principal of SD Negeri 08 Risau, offered insights into the current state of education and the challenges faced by schools in the border area.
Through this field visit, the students gained practical experience in conducting observations, interviews, documentation, and socio-economic analysis of border communities. The program is expected to strengthen students’ academic and professional competencies in understanding border development issues while generating recommendations that contribute to local economic development and reinforcing collaboration between the Economics Study Program of FEB UNTAN and its partner institutions.