Sarawak anticipates private sector involvement in Nusantara’s devt

From left: Awang Tengah, Ongkili and Dr Joachim pose for a group photo at Titik Nol.

KUCHING, March 29: Sarawak is anticipating and looking at the feasibility of the State’s private sector participating in the development of Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara.

Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this is because the development of Nusantara will not only impact Indonesia but also provide development spin-offs to the whole of Borneo.

ā€œWe (Sarawak) and Sabah are the closest neighbours to Nusantara and we share the same border.

ā€œThus, we are of the view that connectivity between Malaysia especially Sabah and Sarawak with Indonesia especially Kalimantan, should be increased.

ā€œPresently, it (Malaysia-Indonesiaā€™s connectivity) is developing now and we may also increase our border trade. Apart from that, there is a possibility for a joint border development,ā€ he said during his visit to Titik Nol, Nusantara recently.

Awang Tengah also revealed that infrastructure development in Nusantara has already been implemented with the existing road from West Kalimantan to North Kalimantan.

ā€œThis infrastructure can be connected to other areas and whatā€™s left to do is to upgrade it.

ā€œWe also have the intention to build a new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at our border,ā€ he added.

Also present with Awang Tengah during the visit to Titik Nol were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Johnity@Maximus Ongkili and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam. ā€“ DayakDaily