KUCHING: Sarawak is pursuing a Borneo Economic Community (BEC) to transcend borders.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak was working with counterparts on the other side, including Indonesian Business Council to establish the BEC.
He said he raised the proposal at the Indonesian Economic Summit 2026 earlier this month, where he argued that Borneo’s geography supported a stronger regional role.
“Two weeks ago, I was the main speaker at the Indonesian Economic Summit, and at that forum, I pointed out that Borneo was the third largest island and also at the centre of ASEAN,” he added.
Abang Johari said when speaking at the ASEAN Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2026 held at Hilton Hotel here today (Feb 12).
He pointed out that Borneo’s population and natural endowments strengthened the case for integrated development.
“We work together to develop Borneo, which has a population of 20 million and is rich in biodiversity and natural resources, to become the nerve of ASEAN,” he concluded.
