Border market on the cusp of thriving again

A UNIQUE border market featuring traders from two different countries, Serikin Market, is a household name in this neck of the woods.

Straddling the Sarawak-Indonesia border, the longest border market in the country has gained quite a reputation as a shopping paradise for locals and tourists alike.

Indeed, a visit to Kuching is incomplete without stopping by this market, approximately 80 kilometres from the city centre or just 15 kilometres from Bau town.

Offering a variety of unique goods, from traditional souvenirs to the latest fashion, Serikin Market promises a shopping experience like no other.

But it’s not just about shopping; visitors also have the opportunity to experience and learn about the unique cultures of the two countries represented here.

Approximately 70 per cent of the traders come from Pontianak, Sambas, Singkawang, and other places in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Interestingly, just a few kilometres from this market, visitors can enter Indonesian territory.

Initially, these traders operated in the Tebedu-Entikong border area in the ’90s to the early 2000s.

Thanks to close cooperation between the Malaysian and Indonesian governments, the traders were authorised to conduct their business in Kampung Serikin every Saturday and Sunday.

PROMOTION OF DUAL CULTURE

The steps taken to open international trade and strengthen the relationship between both countries have witnessed a cultural meeting between Malaysia and Indonesia.

During a visit to the market last weekend after almost 10 years, despite the relatively short travel distance of just under an hour, the writer was amazed by the changes and progress that have taken place here.

It’s significantly different from the scene 10 years ago. At that time, there were not many shops, and the pedestrian pathways were not as spacious and comfortable as they are now.

Now, a two-hour stint is not enough to explore over 300 rows of shops in this market, which can be considered an ambassador promoting the unique culture of Malaysia and Indonesia.

From Sarawak’s pua kumbu fabric, Indonesian batik sarong, mats, pillows, traditional clothing, crystal and pearl jewellery, prayer garments, leather goods, various snacks, crafts, food, and much more are sold at reasonable prices.

Not only are the eyes delighted by a variety of products, the warmth of the traders also engage visitors in conversation, making time pass unnoticed.

This advantage motivates traders, mostly from neighbouring countries, to endure a round trip of almost six hours every week just to trade here.

For them, covering a distance of 250 km to seek livelihood at the Sarawak-Indonesia border market is satisfying due to the unique international business atmosphere not found elsewhere.

SHOPPING PARADISE

Serikin can be compared to Bukit Kayu Hitam, Wang Kelian, Padang Besar, Rantau Panjang, or Langkawi in the peninsula. However although it shares a similar concept with these markets, the items sold are unique and distinct from other markets in the country.

It’s not just a primary destination for tourists arriving in Kuching; it is also a shopping paradise. Visitors from the peninsula often buy various items here to take back home because they are not available in their areas.

Especially Sarawakian mats, Palembang wooden mats, Indonesian batik, and more. It provides a satisfying and worthwhile shopping experience for buyers.

According to one trader from Singkawang, Indonesia, Erwin, 45, with the variety of items offered, Serikin Market promises a memorable shopping experience for visitors.

Having been in business at the market for over 10 years, he mentioned that many tourists come not only to experience shopping but also to enjoy the pleasure of interacting with the local and Indonesian residents.

“At Serikin Market, visitors can find various crafts from Indonesia and Sarawak, including food, wooden furniture, kitchenware, clothing, and much more.

“Moreover, Serikin Market, open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 5pm, is among their sources of income because the Sarawakian people’s reception of Indonesian products is highly encouraging,” he said.

At the same time, he also informed that all food products he brings have obtained approval from the local authorities in the state, and the products are checked before being allowed to enter Sarawak through the border.

Meanwhile, according to Angeliana Tony, a 15-year-old student from SMK Lake, Bau, who assists her family’s business at the market, the majority of traders at Serikin Market come from Indonesia, with most coming from Jagoi Babang, Seluas Bengkayang, Pontianak, and Singkawang.

“Every weekend, this market becomes lively, turning into a festival ground because it is visited by thousands of visitors from both countries for shopping activities, especially before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“However, everything changed after the pandemic struck in 2020. And now, since last year, this market has returned to normal operation and has become a focal point, especially on weekends and school holidays,” she said.

According to Angeliana, one of the advantages here is that visitors can buy Sarawak and Indonesian products such as clothing, toys, furniture made of rattan, and more at a lower price than in Kuching.

She even mentioned that this market is a preferred destination for mothers. Here, they can find various household items such as pots, ovens, and various tools for making snacks.

REVIVAL

It is undeniable that Serikin Market is now reviving following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. For a while, it became like a ‘ghost market,’ deserted and gloomy without traders, let alone visitors.

The situation deeply affected the residents and traders, following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the closure of the international borders of both countries to curb the spread of the epidemic for over two years.

However, after the national border reopened on April 1, 2022, there is great hope among traders and residents to see the market shine again as it did in its heyday before the pandemic.

Judging by the brisk business that took place at the border market during last week’s visit, the writer believes it will shine again. Especially with the existing developments, it is sure to attract more visitors in the future.

Moreover, its potential is very bright as it is located near several popular tourist destinations in the Bau area such as Tasik Biru, Gua Angin, and Gua Pari-Pari.

At the same time, the traders have also started using e-Wallets for business transactions in line with the changing times, thereby not hindering the shopping experience as people now prefer convenient and safe cashless payments.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ICQS FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Visitors here also need not worry about security aspects because, besides a military camp built not far from the market, control by other enforcement agencies such as the General Operations Force (PGA) is continuously enhanced from time to time.

Also, with the construction of ICQS Serikin expected to commence in 2025, it is expected to bring benefits to the nearby residents in terms of socioeconomic aspects and infrastructure development.

With the completion of ICQS, it will facilitate trade dealings to revitalise the economy in the Serikin area and enhance security aspects at the Sarawak-Kalimantan border.

Jepes Gobis, the head of Kampung Jagoi Serikin, when contacted, said that currently, cross-border travel between the Serikin border in Sarawak and Jagoi Babang in Indonesia is restricted to holders of Border Passes (PLB) or the Malaysia-Indonesia Border Pass.

“At present, entry through ICQS Serikin is tightly controlled by the authorities, and any traders or visitors from Indonesia going to Serikin Market or Bau Town must have a border pass.

“Not only Indonesian traders doing business at Serikin Market use this route, but visitors from that country also use the same route as long as they have a border pass. However, they are allowed to be in the Serikin area up to Bau town only,” he explained.

Expanding, Jepes said the entry of visitors from Indonesia using the route at the ICQS Serikin border is closely monitored by the authorities, and the validity period of the pass is for a week or two weeks.

In this regard, he said, traders or visitors from Indonesia need to obtain a border pass and have it stamped by the Immigration authorities at the ICQS Serikin border crossing.

“Because of this, it is hoped that the construction of ICQS Serikin can be expedited so that Sarawak will also have a border control post equivalent to the Jagoi Babang National Border Post (PLBN), Indonesia.

“Surely, with the completion of that control post later, Serikin Market, including the surrounding areas, will benefit from the spillover of development progress, as well as enhance the income sources for the community,” he said.