KOTA KINABALU: Indonesian nationals residing in Sabah have been reminded to abide by local laws and respect community customs to maintain peace and safety in the state.
The reminder was issued by Indonesia's Consul in Tawau, Dino Nurwahyudin, who emphasised that respecting local norms is integral to the consulate’s core mission of serving and protecting its citizens abroad.
Speaking after a courtesy call on Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Tuesday (July 28), Dino expressed gratitude to the state government for supporting education initiatives for the children of Indonesian workers.
He highlighted the state's collaboration since 2011 in establishing Community Learning Centres (CLCs), noting that access to education has boosted worker morale and productivity on plantations.
"Companies like Sabah Softwoods Berhad, Benta Wawasan Sdn Bhd, and Sawit Kinabalu provide CLCs on-site, giving children a safe environment to learn while their parents work," Dino said.
The courtesy call, where Dino was accompanied by his wife, Gain Nurwahyudin, served as an official introduction following his appointment as Consul on July 9, succeeding retired consul Aris Heru Utomo.
During the meeting, Dino commended the Sabah government for implementing the Smart Sabah initiative, which assists undocumented foreign workers and their families in regularising their legal status.
He explained that under the scheme, employers can apply on behalf of workers who hold valid Indonesian passports to obtain official work and residence permits.
According to consulate records in Tawau, approximately 120,000 Indonesians are officially registered in the area. However, Dino noted the actual figure is likely higher given the shared border, with high concentrations residing along Sabah's east coast in districts such as Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, and Kalabakan.
