By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 3: Sarawak is open to collaboration and long-term partnerships, as the future of Borneo cannot be shaped by any single economy acting alone, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said today.
Delivering his keynote address at the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2026 in Jakarta today, Abang Johari emphasised that regional cooperation, alignment of strengths and shared value creation are essential amid rising global uncertainty and shifting supply chains.
“The future of Borneo will not be shaped by any single economy acting alone. It will be defined by how well we collaborate, align our strengths and build long-term value together,” he said in his speech text.
He stressed that regional platforms such as the Indonesia Economic Summit and the revival of the Borneo Economic Community (BEC) by the Indonesian Business Council (IBC) are increasingly relevant in today’s economic climate.
“This platform brings the Borneo family together, reaffirming our collective destiny and deep sense of regional kinship,” he said, adding that Borneo’s strategic location and natural resources must be translated into meaningful economic value through cooperation.
Abang Johari noted that ASEAN, with a population of over 670 million and a combined GDP of USD3.8 trillion, is at a transition point of major industrial transformation, requiring a shift towards a more diversified, high-value and low-carbon economic model.
He said Sarawak is actively contributing to this transition through renewable energy cooperation with Indonesia, including a joint hydropower development project in North Kalimantan, as well as cross-border energy connectivity initiatives.
The recent launch of the Sarawak–Sabah Power Grid Interconnection, he said, marked a critical step towards a future Borneo Power Grid and supports the longer-term vision of the ASEAN Power Grid.
“This is one clear example of how Borneo can work together for mutual benefit. More importantly, it reflects a spirit of co-creation, where neighbouring regions shape economic value together by building on their respective strengths,” he said, adding that renewable energy underpins reliable power supply, climate responsibility and broader economic transformation.
Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak’s focus on building the new economy through green hydrogen development, carbon capture and storage, and advanced semiconductor and digital technologies, supported by strong investments in talent development through STEM and TVET education.
Looking ahead to 2030, he said Sarawak’s future is closely tied to the prosperity of its neighbours, particularly with the rapid development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, which he described as a catalyst for economic growth across the entire island.
“Sarawak stands ready to work closely with Indonesia and our neighbours across Borneo to advance sustainable growth, regional resilience and meaningful cooperation for the years ahead,” he said. — DayakDaily
