BY JACINTHA JOLENE & GILLIAN NESSLYN
KUCHING: The consul general of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, will conclude his tenure at the end of April after three years of service in Sarawak.
He is set to return to Jakarta on May 1 and expressed gratitude for the strong cooperation between Indonesia and Sarawak, particularly in economic, energy, and tourism sectors.
“The bilateral trade between Indonesia and Sarawak has nearly doubled in three years, from USD600 million in 2021 to USD1.1 billion in 2024,” he said during the ‘Special Iftar Gathering: Indonesian Update’ at the consulate general on Wednesday (Mar 26).
He noted that Sarawak and Indonesia have been key partners in the energy sector and sees further potential for collaboration.
In tourism, he highlighted Indonesia’s active participation in events like the Rainforest World Music Festival and Miri Jazz Festival, which strengthen cultural ties between the two regions.
He expressed hope that the next consul general would continue these efforts.
He also advocated for improved air connectivity between Sarawak and Indonesia, particularly through direct flights from Kuching to Balikpapan, which he believes would enhance economic and tourism cooperation, especially with the launch of Sarawak’s state-owned airline, AirBorneo.
He also acknowledged the growing demand for medical treatment in Sarawak among Indonesians from Kalimantan and saw opportunities for academic exchanges between the two regions.
“There is so much potential for collaboration as we share the same island, Borneo, and I hope this good relationship continues to be strengthened,” he said.
