KUCHING: Sarawak welcomes plans to extend the Trans-Borneo Railway into Indonesia’s Kalimantan region, calling it a strategic move to boost economic ties, trade and regional mobility across Borneo.
Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Dr Abdullah Zulkifli, said the proposed link could significantly improve connectivity between Sarawak and Kalimantan, strengthening bilateral trade if implemented.
“During a meeting earlier, the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg encouraged the expansion of a connectivity network, namely the Trans-Borneo Railway, into the Kalimantan region.
“So, this is a good opportunity to foster cooperation between Kalimantan and Sarawak, as well as the whole of Borneo, to develop it into an area of economic and trade growth that benefits all parties,” he said.
He said this to reporters during a press conference after paying a courtesy call on Abang Johari at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
The meeting marked his first courtesy call on the Premier since taking office in October last year.
Dr Abdullah said improving connectivity – particularly from Indonesia to Sarawak -remains a key priority, especially with Kuching set to host the opening ceremony of the 2027 SEA Games.
“During my time here, my main focus is to improve connectivity and cooperation, including people-to-people connectivity, where currently, ties between Kuching and Pontianak are already established, with Kuching being the closest region to Kalimantan.
“We are all aware that in 2027, the SEA Games opening ceremony will be held in Kuching, and of course, an increase in visitors from Indonesia to Sarawak is expected to witness the event.
“And last year, in 2025, when we had just arrived, the Borneo Games were taking place, while in 2027, the Borneo Games will be held in East Kalimantan,” he said.
