RRI.CO.ID, Malinau – The government of Sabah, Malaysia, through its research body, the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), has selected Malinau Regency in North Kalimantan as a benchmark for developing its inland and remote territories, particularly Kalabakan Subdistrict.

An IDS Sabah delegation visited Malinau on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, to examine the regency’s progress since its establishment in 1999 following its separation from Bulungan Regency.

The delegation noted that Malinau shares geographic and demographic characteristics with Kalabakan, making its developmental trajectory highly relevant for drafting Sabah’s Strategic Plan for Regional Development (2026–2035).

The comparative study focused on environmental management, public administration systems, eco‑tourism development, regional economic growth, and community‑empowerment models that leverage local culture and heritage to generate local revenue (PAD).

Deputy Regent of Malinau, Jakaria, welcomed the delegation and outlined the principles behind Malinau’s long‑term growth.

“We received a courtesy visit from the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), Sabah, Malaysia. They are conducting a study on regional development, specifically the advancement of inland areas. The administration provides knowledge and experience so that the community can create, develop its potential, and utilize culture and traditions as economic value contributing to regional revenue,” Jakaria said in Malinau on Thursday, July 30, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Jakaria added that external recognition serves as encouragement for local governance. “This appreciation triggers the government and citizens of Malinau to remain passionate about building the region. It is not us claiming to be advanced, but external parties who come directly to observe Malinau’s progress,” he noted.

Head of the IDS Sabah delegation, Mansalasa bin Musa, affirmed that Malinau’s strategies will directly inform policy recommendations for the Sabah State Government.

“We came to observe and study the best practices implemented by Malinau Regency. The outcomes of this visit will serve as material for drafting the Strategic Plan for the Regional Development of Kalabakan for the 2026–2035 period. How Malinau built its region into what it is today. That is what we want to learn and use as a guide in our study report for the Sabah Government,” Mansalasa explained. ***