Sarawak, Indonesia colab in developing Nusantara

KUCHING: Sarawak is working with Indonesia in the development of the Nusantara region, focusing on East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan.
 
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), the state government holds a 25 per cent stake in the hydroelectric power generation project in East Kalimantan.
 
This initiative, he asserted, will provide electricity to Kalimantan, and there are plans for further hydroelectric development by Indonesia.
 
“The development of this hydroelectric project will generate electricity for Kalimantan, and there are proposals from the Indonesian side to further develop it. 
 
“Since we already hold a 25 per cent stake, we will jointly implement development in the Nusantara region,” he told reporters after officiating at the handover ceremony of the Sumbangsih Raya 2024 event at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
 
He made the remarks in response to a suggestion from the Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin, that Malaysian companies should seize investment opportunities in East Kalimantan, particularly in Samarinda and Balikpapan near Indonesia’s new capital city of Nusantara.
 
Syed Md Hasrin said there are many opportunities for Malaysian companies to contribute to the development of Nusantara, such as by providing construction materials.
 
The Premier noted collaboration between the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) with the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) in exploring various sectors, including exports.
 
“We have existing collaborations with Indonesia, with many Sarawak companies operating in West Kalimantan due to the proximity,” he added.
 
Abang Johari also highlighted the potential for closer cooperation between Sarawak and Indonesia once direct flights between Sarawak and Pontianak commence.