Sarawak and Indonesia’s deeply-rooted friendship guides cooperation across key sectors, says Premier
by Matthew Umpang · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Nov 27): Sarawak and Indonesia share longstanding ties built on trust, shared aspirations, and generations of cultural and economic linkages, forming a deeply-rooted friendship, said the Premier.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the ties between Sarawak and Indonesia continued to guide cooperation across key sectors.
“This collaboration spans borders, cultures, and generations and this shared heritage formed the basis for expanding long-term cooperation,” he said in a speech for the Indonesian Evening hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching on Wednesday.
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin delivered the speech.
Abang Johari highlighted the strategic importance of Western Region cross-border gateways for people, ideas, and opportunities, fostering stronger ties and mutual understanding.
He noted the renewed direct flight between Kuching and Pontianak had already had a positive impact on travel, trade, and tourism, and expressed confidence that the launch of AirBorneo in 2026 would further enhance Sarawak’s connectivity with Indonesian cities.
He said stronger air links would encourage cultural exchange, broaden tourism flows, and create new avenues for business cooperation.
Abang Johari described Indonesia’s relocation of its national capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan as a unique opportunity for closer collaboration.
“Sarawak, being geographically adjacent, was well-positioned to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, health, and research,” he said.
Commenting on healthcare, he said it remained a central pillar of engagement, noting that many Indonesians relied on Sarawak’s medical services hence the state government is committed to upgrading facilities and enhancing professional capacity to meet rising demand.
The Premier also pointed to Sarawak’s investment in research and innovation through medical research centres.
“Medical research centres in Kuching and Miri, including the prestigious Fudan University Facility in Miri, exemplify our commitment to knowledge exchange, cutting-edge research, and cross-border capacity building,” he said.
On sustainable energy, Abang Johari said Sarawak Energy Berhad’s hydropower ventures in North Kalimantan reflected a shared commitment to renewable energy and responsible development.
“As we commemorate Indonesia’s independence and the 20th year of its consulate in Kuching, Sarawak reaffirms its unwavering commitment to work closely with Indonesia to seize new opportunities and continue strengthening our bonds across economic, social, cultural, health and scientific spheres,” he added.
The Indonesian Evening event marked the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence and the 20th anniversary of the Indonesian Consulate in Kuching.
Among those present were Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Dr Abdullah Zulkipli; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting; as well as former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and his wife Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon.