TEBEDU: The resumption of the ICQS Tebedu bus operation between Sarawak and Pontianak has brought various emotions among the people who commute using the buses.
Reporters from Sarawak Tribune were able to interview our friendly neighbour from Pontianak, Indonesia on their reactions and feeling when they are able to cross to Sarawak using a bus.
Desi SrI Wahyuni, 25,
From Pontianak
“I’m glad with the resumption of the bus services from Pontianak to Kuching as it was difficult previously with the lock downs and all the bus services were discontinued and the price of the ticket is still the same at IDR 280,000 (RM84.27).”
Isniar Sya Baniah, 19,
From Pontianak
“This is my first time to Kuching as my dad is working here, and I am looking forward to having my three-day holidays with my family here.”
Isniar said that the journey from Pontianak to Tebedu took roughly around eight hours and hoped that next time she could visit Kuching more with her family.
Rusli Mareden,
51-years-old ticket seller at BintangJaya bus
“I am pleased because previously I had to take taxis and e-hailing services which were costly, but with the resumption of the bus now it saves on cost and surprisingly it is comfortable.”
He added that hopefully the services would continue as it eases the people of Pontianak and also Sarawak.
Depi Setiawan, 25
“The experience of entering Sarawak through the border for the first time is interesting and we welcome this initiative (the re-operation of the cross-border bus service) to make it easier for us to go to Sarawak in a more organised way without having to use our own transport. Personally, I strongly support this effort.”
Yunita Idawati, 32
“It has been almost three years since I last visited and able to return to Sarawak to visit my family here. With this opportunity, it is very easy for our family to cross the border between the two countries, in addition to the presence of this bus service which facilitates our journey to meet family in Kuching.”
