KUCHING: Sarawak has reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the development of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, with a focus on clean energy, infrastructure, and cross-border economic collaboration.

This was conveyed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan during a roundtable dialogue held in Balikpapan between the Sarawak government and East Kalimantan on Saturday.

Borneo Post reported that key areas of potential collaboration discussed included renewable energy, particularly hydropower and biomass, along with healthcare, education, tourism, infrastructure and trade facilitation.

"Nusantara's ambition to achieve full renewable energy by 2045 aligns closely with Sarawak's clean energy aspirations, particularly in hydropower and biomass," said Awang Tengah.

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He said Sarawak is expanding its clean energy portfolio through hydroelectric, solar and biomass development, and sees synergy in potential collaboration in North and East Kalimantan.

To enhance cross-border trade and investment, both parties are working toward the joint development of special economic zones and industrial parks at strategic border points, which are expected to strengthen connectivity and stimulate job creation.

Awang Tengah also said that both governments are committed to exploring cooperation in sustainability and the circular economy, including joint conservation efforts, carbon trading initiatives and the adoption of green technologies.

The dialogue also touched on efforts to boost tourism between the two regions through improved road networks, development of new airports and establishment of direct flight routes.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to establish a Joint Task Force focused on strategic development initiatives.

"This MoU marks a renewed commitment to collaborative growth, reinforcing our shared vision for a more integrated and prosperous Borneo," Awang Tengah said.

He added that the roundtable dialogue had strengthened longstanding historical and cultural ties between Sarawak and Kalimantan, while reflecting Kalimantan's evolving economic landscape and diversification beyond traditional sectors.

The Sarawak delegation included Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister Datuk Ripin Lamat, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datuk Seri Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Economic Planning Unit director Datuk Lester Matthew, and senior government and industry representatives.

Their Indonesian counterparts comprised officials from the East Kalimantan Provincial Government, Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN), Kadin, and local business associations.