KUCHING (July 28): Sarawak has expressed strong interest in contributing to the development of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, with focus areas including healthcare, education, tourism, and infrastructure.
In a statement from the Deputy Premier's Office, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said these were among the main areas of collaboration discussed during a roundtable meeting in Balikpapan on Saturday between Sarawak and East Kalimantan.
Other key areas of collaboration include renewable energy, whereby Sarawak is expanding its clean energy portfolio through hydro, solar, and biomass, with interest in hydropower collaboration in North Kalimantan and biomass ventures in East Kalimantan.
"Nusantara's goal of full renewable energy by 2045 presents further synergy," said Awang Tengah.
On trade and investment, both sides are aiming to streamline cross-border flows through joint development of special economic zones and industrial parks at strategic border points, which are expected to enhance connectivity and drive job creation.
Awang Tengah said both regions also discussed cooperation in sustainability and circular economy, including joint conservation efforts, carbon trading, and adoption of green technologies.
Shared goals in promoting value-added timber products and sustainable resource management were also highlighted.
In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, he said improved road networks, development of new airports, and direct flight routes are being planned to enhance tourism and economic exchange between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
Meanwhile, the meeting saw Sarawak and East Kalimantan taking a major step toward bolstering cross-border economic collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Task Force focused on strategic development initiatives.
The Joint Task Force will. involve Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF)
According to Awang Tengah, the roundtable dialogue aimed at deepening bilateral economic ties had underscored the longstanding relationship between Sarawak and Kalimantan built upon shared historical and cultural roots.
"The meeting also acknowledged East Kalimantan's evolving economic landscape, with growing emphasis on manufacturing and diversification beyond traditional sectors.
" A key outcome was the formation of a Joint Task Force between KADIN and SBF to develop actionable policy recommendations and ensure alignment between public and private sector priorities," he said.
On the MoU, he said it marked a renewed commitment to collaborative growth, reinforcing Sarawak and Kalimantan's shared ambition for a more integrated and prosperous Borneo.
The Sarawak delegation included Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Ripin Lamat, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Director of the Economic Planning Unit Datu Lester Matthew, and senior government and industry representatives.
Their Indonesian counterparts comprised officials from the East Kalimantan Provincial Government, Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN), KADIN, and local business associations.