KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is set to deliver a special keynote address at the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) scheduled to take place in Jakarta from Feb 3 to 4, reflecting growing regional and international interest in Sarawak’s economic model.
He said he was invited by the Indonesian Business Council (IBC) to speak on Sarawak’s development journey and its evolving economic landscape.
“Countries within ASEAN are now observing us, and Insya-Allah, on Feb 3, I have been invited by the Indonesian Business Council to deliver a keynote address to thousands of Indonesian entrepreneurs in Jakarta on the development taking place in Sarawak,” he said in his officiating address during the opening of Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School Kuching here today (Jan 31).
The Indonesia Economic Summit is the Indonesian Business Council’s annual flagship event, bringing together policymakers, business leaders and industry players from across the region.
Abang Johari expressed his appreciation for the recognition, noting that Sarawak’s clear and structured policies have made the State increasingly visible on the international stage.
“If we did not have these policies, no one would know us,” he said, adding that a delegation from Indonesia had visited Sarawak last month to seek insights into the State’s economic progress, which they described as outstanding and well-structured.
“According to them, our economy is very structured, and they want to understand and share how we have done it,” he said.
Abang Johari said the international community is increasingly paying attention to Sarawak as its policies align with global priorities, particularly in sustainability.
“Sustainability is a global issue, and we are addressing it from our own perspective. We are living in renewable energy, including hydrogen,” he said.
He noted that Sarawak’s push into renewable energy, including hydrogen production, has drawn the attention of other countries, positioning the State as a key player in the global energy transition.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak’s economy has undergone a fundamental transformation, shifting from a conventional, resource-based model to a more advanced and diversified economy.
“The basic economy of Sarawak has now changed into an advanced economy. It is no longer a normal, conventional economy,” he said, adding that Sarawak is blessed with natural resources not found in many other countries.
He emphasised that the State’s future economic growth will depend heavily on its mastery of renewable energy and sustainable development, which he described as the foundation of Sarawak’s new economy.
