SIBU: Trade between Indonesia and Sarawak exceeded US$1bil (RM4.21bil) last year, not counting the state's electricity exports to Kalimantan.
This underscores the growing strength of economic ties between both sides, said newly-appointed Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Dr Abdullah Zulkipli.
It also reflected the resilience and depth of the bilateral economic partnership, with ample room for further expansion, he added.
Speaking at a welcoming dinner on Wednesday (Oct 8), Dr Abdullah noted that investments from Sarawak into Indonesia have been rising steadily, including a major processing project in West Kalimantan worth more than US$1bil, as well as collaborations in the energy sector.
"These investments demonstrate the growing confidence and trust shared between our business communities," he added.
Dr Abdullah emphasised that Indonesia’s development of its new capital city, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan would bring fresh economic opportunities for Sarawakian businesses.
"Nusantara is not solely Indonesia’s vision, it is a regional opportunity.
"We warmly invite Sarawak’s participation in its growth through trade, construction, services and innovation," he said, adding that Sarawak's government and companies have already shown interest in business prospects related to the capital city project.
While trade and investment remain key priorities, Dr Abdullah also underlined his commitment to ensuring the welfare of Indonesian workers in Sarawak, particularly in the plantation sector.
"It is our responsibility to ensure that they are well protected and treated fairly.
"We appreciate employers who uphold fair labour standards and create safe working environments," he said, adding that the Consulate General will continue to collaborate with employers to safeguard the workers' well-being.
Dr Abdullah also praised the growing cooperation in education, noting the enrolment of Indonesian students at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS).
"Education serves as a bridge between our younger generations. When students from both sides learn and live together, they forge friendships that strengthen our bilateral ties," he said.
He invited Sarawakian business leaders to participate in the upcoming Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2025, to be held in Jakarta from Oct 15 to 19, describing it as one of South-East Asia’s largest and most important trade events.
"TEI offers vast opportunities to expand business networks and partnerships. We would be delighted to see greater participation from Sarawak this year," he said.
Among those present at the dinner were UTS president and Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid; Mafrica Group managing director Datuk Tiong Chiong Wee; Jaya Tiasa Holdings chief executive officer Datuk Jin Kee Mou; Subur Tiasa Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Tiong Ing; and Tan Ann Plywood Sdn Bhd (Oil Palm Division) CEO Akmal Haqqani Zainol Rashi.
Also in attendance were United Chinese Associations Sibu president Ngieng Hock Teck; Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong; organising chairman Datuk Thomas Tieng Mee Tung; and other guests.
