RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia and Sarawak, Malaysia, are steering their partnership toward broader collaboration that goes beyond traditional government ties, with a focus on sustainable development and community-based cooperation.

The commitment was reaffirmed during the courtesy call of Indonesia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Raden Dato' Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, to Sarawak Governor Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on August 3, 2026.

Ambassador Iman expressed appreciation for Sarawak’s longstanding friendship with Indonesia, noting that the relationship is strengthened not only through government channels but also by shared history, culture, and people-to-people connections across Borneo/Kalimantan.

“I extend my gratitude to the Sarawak government for the friendship and cooperation that have been well established,” he said, as quoted by Antara, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

The meeting highlighted Indonesia’s national priorities under President Prabowo Subianto, including sustainable development and responsible mining practices. Ambassador Iman emphasized that Indonesia and Sarawak have significant opportunities to collaborate in the green economy, environmentally friendly industries, and future technologies.

He also outlined Indonesia’s flagship programs such as the Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), Sekolah Rakyat (People's School), hospital development, and the continued progress of the new capital Nusantara (IKN). These initiatives, he noted, could serve as platforms for joint learning and cooperation.

Strategic issues discussed included the protection of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI), expanding access to education through Community Learning Centers (CLC), strengthening trade and investment, improving connectivity, managing border areas, advancing environmental conservation, and enhancing the Malaysia–Indonesia Socio-Economic Cooperation (Sosek Malindo) framework.

Both sides agreed to intensify communication, strengthen institutional coordination, and follow up on opportunities through technical meetings and collaborative programs. The presence of Hendy Assan, Director at Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Head for Sarawak, underscored the importance of institutional support for these initiatives.

This evolving partnership signals a new chapter in Indonesia–Sarawak relations, where cooperation in sustainability, education, and social development is expected to deliver tangible benefits for communities on both sides of the border. It also reflects Indonesia’s broader ambition to lead in regional sustainable diplomacy and cross-border community cooperation. ***