CONNECTIVITY KEY TO BORNEO’S REGIONAL GROWTH - ABANG JOHARI

KUCHING, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Strengthening connectivity is crucial to building a strong foundation for Borneo’s regional growth, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He said Sarawak is making major investments in infrastructure, utilities and telecommunications, while expanding transport and logistics networks to meet rising industrial demand.

These include integrated land transport systems, a new international airport and a new deep-sea port to strengthen regional and global connectivity.

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Speaking at the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia today, Abang Johari noted that Indonesia’s Kijing International Seaport in Kalimantan, the largest seaport in the region, could complement Sarawak’s port developments.

He said the combined port infrastructure would create opportunities for complementary operations and improve long-haul connectivity to East Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The text of the speech was later made available to the media here.

Abang Johari also described the resumption of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak as more than just the reopening of an air route, saying it reconnects communities across Borneo while supporting trade, tourism, education and business cooperation.

He added that Sarawak has also established AirBorneo to further strengthen regional air links and expand direct connections between the island and other parts of the world.

Abang Johari noted that Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, is home to over 20 million people across Sarawak, Sabah, parts of Indonesia and Brunei, and is rich in cultural diversity and natural resources.

At a time of global economic uncertainty and intensifying competition, he said regional cooperation remains vital to ensuring economies stay open and connected, particularly within ASEAN.

-- BERNAMA