Awang Tengah leads mission to Nusantara for investment, collaboration
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. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan bilateral cooperation lead nusantara
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Asia FX rallies as dollar weakness provides respite from tariff blitz
HONG KONG/SINGAPORE: Asian currencies rallied on Monday, led by the Malaysian ringgit and Indonesian rupiah, as dollar weakness helped them regain some lost ground, while investors assessed how US President Donald Trump's new tariff rates would impact regional economies. The ringgit strengthened nearly 1 per cent to 4.233 per dollar, snapping six straight sessions of losses, while the rupiah and Taiwan dollar advanced as much as 0.7 per cent. Other regional currencies also gained ground, with the South Korean won and Indian rupee each rising 0.3 per cent, while Thailand's baht and Singapore's dollar edged 0.2 per cent higher. The dollar index recovered marginally on Monday after it fell more than 1 per cent on Friday when Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs and after a dismal US jobs report that sent traders scrambling to price in aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts. USD/ The sharp dollar selloff has provided Asian currencies breathing room as markets wagered heavily on a September Fed easing. "The weak jobs data has derailed the emerging 'US exceptionalism' trade that had been supporting the dollar," said Christopher Wong, currency strategist at OCBC. This week's ISM services data and jobless claims will be crucial in determining whether the Fed moves more aggressively to support the economy, he added. Trump's tariff offensive hit Asian countries with rates ranging from 15 per cent to 40 per cent. India faces the steepest levies of major Asian economies at 25 per cent, while South Korea negotiated down to 15 per cent after intensive talks. Several regional players including Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan and Cambodia secured agreements after weeks of negotiations, leaving markets to reassess which economies face the greatest export disruption. "We think this is a better outcome than what was anticipated earlier, but still the rate of tariff is much higher than the status quo," said Rahul Bajoria, ASEAN and India economist at BofA Securities. "The ASEAN region saw a lot of front loading of exports and hence some payback is unavoidable, but with better growth outcomes, we see respectable scope for GDP growth in the region." Regional equity markets traded mixed, with Seoul and Singapore gaining over 1 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively, while Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur slipped more than 0.3 per cent each. Trump's firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, whom he accused of manipulating job numbers, added to market uncertainty surrounding US economic data reliability. Central bank policy remains in focus across the region. The Monetary Authority of Singapore and Bank of Japan maintained current rates alongside the Fed last week. India's central bank meets on Wednesday, while Thailand's rate decision is due next week.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Indonesian FM reiterates commitment to Palestinian struggles
FILE PHOTO: People wave Palestinian and Indonesian flags during a rally supporting Palestinians in Gaza, at the National Monument complex in Jakarta on Nov. 5, 2023. - Reuters JAKARTA: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has reiterated the Indonesian government's unwavering commitment to supporting the struggles of the people of Palestine, be it through diplomatic efforts or concrete humanitarian assistance. In his speech Sunday (Aug 3) at the massive 'Bela Palestin' rally at the National Monument Square, Central Jakarta, Sugiono said the struggle for a free Palestine is mandated under the Indonesian constitution and has become a priority of the administration of President Prabowo Subianto. "Since early on, President Prabowo has stressed that the liberation of Palestine is part of the struggle of the Indonesian people. More than just a speech, it is a responsibility under the 1945 Constitution. Indonesia shall never accept any form of colonisation,' he emphasised. Sugiono also stressed that Indonesia fully condemns genocide, the use of starvation as a method of warfare and forced displacement of the Palestinian people. He explained that his country has sent more than 4,400 tonnes of logictical aid and will send 10,000 tonnes of rice soon. Aside from humanitarian aid, Indonesia is also actively speaking up for Palestine at global fora such as the Asean, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other multilateral platforms. "We believe that every measure we take together with hope and tenacity will bring us closer to our common goal, which is the establishment of a Palestine that is independent, sovereign and peaceful,' he added. - Bernama
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Seamless interstate travel across Borneo
KUCHING: The multibillion-ringgit financing to complete the Sarawak-Sabah Highway – which will bypass Brunei – and to build the trans-Borneo Sarawak-Kalimantan-Nusantara superhighway is expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of Borneo over the next five years. The Sarawak Business Federation, an umbrella body representing hundreds of trade entities, has lauded the federal government for prioritising the vital land links, as announced by the prime minister during the 13MP tabling. Federation secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai said the 13MP carries immense significance for Sarawak. 'The plan looks set to transform the Sarawak-Sabah and Sarawak-Kalimantan to Nusantara (new Indonesian capital) landscape in terms of land connectivity. 'The Sarawak-Sabah direct highway will see the road link between the two states enhanced by leaps and bounds, as travellers will enjoy seamless interstate connectivity. 'The upgrading of Sarawak to Kalimantan and onwards to Nusantara will see that region transformed into another massive socio-economic hub for Borneo. Cross-border trade and social relations will see huge surges,' he said in a statement. Chai added that the road links will also act as catalysts for other developments, such as electricity-supply integration across Borneo. The major road projects will be fast-tracked for completion within five years. Currently, commuters travelling by land from Miri, Sarawak to Sabah must pass through Brunei, encountering four immigration and customs checkpoints – each with both Malaysian and Bruneian posts. This means travellers have to stop and scan their passports eight times, often facing long queues and traffic jams at the borders. The proposed Sarawak-Sabah Highway will provide a direct Miri–Sabah link, bypassing Brunei entirely. Putrajaya will fund the highway through a RM7.4 billion package.
