By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 3: Indonesia’s Kijing International Seaport has the potential to play a significant role in complementing port developments in Sarawak and strengthening long-haul maritime connectivity across Borneo.
Speaking at the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2026 in Jakarta today, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the strategic importance of coordinated port development between Sarawak and Kalimantan to enhance trade flows to East Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
“My neighbour has the largest seaport in Kalimantan, the Kijing International Seaport, which serves as a deep-sea gateway for Kalimantan and could play a significant role in complementing the ports in Sarawak,” he said in his speech text.
He added that the combined development of deep-sea ports on both sides of the border presents opportunities for complementary port functions, improved logistics efficiency and stronger long-haul connectivity for the island of Borneo.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak is investing heavily in infrastructure, utilities and telecommunications, including integrated land transport, a new international airport and a new deep seaport, to support growing industrial demand and regional trade.
Situated at the crossroads of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and close to major markets such as China and India, he pointed out that Sarawak accounts for about 17 per cent of Borneo’s land mass and is positioning itself as a key logistics and industrial hub.
The Premier also welcomed the return of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak, describing it as a renewal of connectivity across Borneo that facilitates the movement of people, ideas and enterprise, while supporting trade, tourism, education and business collaboration.
“In the same spirit, he said Sarawak has established Air Borneo to strengthen regional air links while expanding direct connections from the island to other parts of the world,” he added.
Abang Johari stressed that enhanced connectivity and coordinated infrastructure development within Borneo would transform the island into a more integrated economic and trading platform, capable of competing more effectively within ASEAN and beyond.
“As Sarawak looks toward 2030, its future is closely tied to the prosperity of its neighbours, particularly with the rapid development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara. This development reinforces Sarawak’s role as a close partner in Borneo’s progress, supporting infrastructure, trade and energy cooperation.
“The relocation of Indonesia’s capital is not just a national milestone for Indonesia but also a significant catalyst for economic growth across the entire island,” he said. — DayakDaily
