KUCHING (July 27): A Sarawak delegation, led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan visited Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, today to explore opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation and economic investment.

According to a statement from Awang Tengah’s office, the visit was part of Sarawak’s broader engagement efforts during the Sarawak Connects Fair in Balikpapan.

One of the highlights of the visit was a symbolic tree planting ceremony at Plaza Bhineka, where Awang Tengah planted a commemorative tree to symbolise the growing partnership between Sarawak and Nusantara.

“The gesture underscored our commitment to sustainable development and long-term collaboration between both regions,” said Awang Tengah.

The delegation also toured key administrative and infrastructure developments in Nusantara, including government precincts, the state-of-the-art Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Training Centre, and newly built healthcare facilities.

These visits offered valuable insights into the rapid pace of the city’s construction and urban planning.

Awang Tengah, who also serves as Sarawak’s Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, was accompanied by senior government officials and business leaders from Sarawak in a series of strategic engagements with their Indonesian counterparts.

These included dialogue sessions focused on trade, infrastructure, and cross-border investment prospects.

“Nusantara, envisioned as Indonesia’s sustainable and smart future capital, represents a key growth frontier in Southeast Asia, offering unique opportunities for regional integration and public-private partnerships,” said Awang Tengah.

The discussions also aimed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cross-border business synergies.

Among those in the delegation were Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Ripin Lamat; Deputy State Secretary for Economic Planning and Development Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; Economic Planning Unit Director Datu Lester Matthew; and Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Dzulkornain Masron.

Also present were key officials from East Kalimantan’s government and the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN), including OIKN Deputy Head for Environment and Natural Resources Myrna Asnawati, and Deputy for Funding and Investment Roi Sudiro.

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