KUCHING, Jan 9, 2026 — Indonesia has expressed its intention to further strengthen strategic cooperation with Sarawak, with a strong focus on border development, trade growth and regional connectivity, as part of a broader effort to develop the island of Borneo into a mutually beneficial economic and business region.
The matter was raised during a courtesy call by the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Mr Dr Abdullah Zulkifli, on the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. The meeting took place at the Sarawak Premier’s Office at the Satria Pertiwi Complex on Friday and marked Abdullah’s first official visit since assuming his post in October 2025.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Abdullah said the discussion served as an important communication platform to review the current status of cooperation between Sarawak and the Kalimantan region. He noted that both sides exchanged views on border-related challenges that require close coordination and joint solutions.
According to him, cooperation in border areas was among the key topics discussed, particularly efforts to increase cross-border trade and improve physical connectivity between Sarawak and Kalimantan. He said better connectivity would not only ease movement but also encourage stronger economic interaction between communities on both sides of the border.
Abdullah also spoke positively about Sarawak’s development potential, highlighting its vast land resources and strengths in energy, economic planning and infrastructure. He specifically mentioned major projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway and the Coastal Highway, which he said have enhanced Sarawak’s connectivity and long-term growth prospects.
During the meeting, Abdullah revealed that the Sarawak Premier had shared his vision of extending regional connectivity projects, including the proposed Borneo Railway, to the Kalimantan region. Such an extension, he said, would further strengthen cross-border ties and support the idea of Borneo as a shared economic hub.
In addition to economic matters, Abdullah expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Government for its continued attention to the welfare and protection of Indonesian workers in the state. He said fair treatment and proper protection have allowed Indonesian workers to contribute productively to Sarawak’s economy while also benefiting Indonesia.
He added that the meeting also opened space for discussions on existing challenges and possible improvements to current cooperation frameworks. To achieve meaningful progress, Abdullah stressed that cooperation must involve not only the Sarawak Government but also relevant agencies and stakeholders in Indonesia.
Overall, Abdullah described the meeting as constructive and positive, praising the Sarawak Premier’s openness in sharing data, ideas and initiatives aimed at strengthening Malaysia–Indonesia relations. He said such engagement reflects a shared commitment to long-term regional stability and economic growth on the island of Borneo.
Also present at the meeting were Consul I Bapak Musa Derek Sairwona, Information, Social and Cultural Division representative Ibu Yasfitah F. Murthias, Economic Division representative Ibu Lidya Karlin Ndoen and Consul II Ibu Ely S. Handayani.
