Indonesian business leaders discuss trade boost with Sarawak counterparts

Abdul Karim (seated, fourth right), Kong (fourth left), and other ACCCIS and SBF members in a photocall with the KADIN delegation.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 3: In a significant move to bolster cross-border trade, a delegation of five members from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), led by vice chairman Eddy Suryadi, has recently paid a courtesy visit to the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) and The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS).

The delegation was received by Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Abang Openg and Kong Chiong Ung, presidents of SBF and ACCCIS respectively.

KADIN, the national business organisation authorised by the Indonesian government, comprises 34 regional chambers and 514 district branches.

“The purpose of the visit was to engage in detailed discussions and deliberations on cross-border trade issues between Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

“The outcomes of the discussion will be presented to the Indonesian government as important references and recommendations when formulating policies for improving the cross-border trade,” according to a press release.

Both SBF and ACCCIS expressed a unified hope for the restoration of bilateral trade connectivity.

They emphasised the urgent need to fully reopen the customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) checkpoint between Entikong and Tebedu for all cargoes and goods.

Additionally, they urged flight operators and the Indonesian government to reinstate direct flights between West Kalimantan and Kuching.

In a proactive measure to address cross-border trade issues, both parties agreed to establish a joint special ad-hoc committee that will focus on effectively resolving trade-related problems, further fostering bilateral economic growth.

Furthermore, the KADIN delegation highlighted potential investment opportunities in West Kalimantan, particularly in logistics, special economic zones, new and renewable energy, mining and mineral processing industries, and infrastructure.

These sectors are expected to promote significant investment and business opportunities between the two regions.

Also present at the meeting were Nasri Alisan, Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Trade Governance for Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, and Fisheries in Border Areas; Ferick, Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Border Management of the State Territory; Muhammad Sayid Sabiq, Programme Manager for Border Development Area at KADIN Indonesia; SCCI Logistics & Infrastructure Nobel Pang; ACCCIS Vice President Dato Tan Jit Kee, Datuk Wee Kok Hui, Secretary-General Dato Jonathan Chai Voon Tok; council members Kuek Eng Mong, Dennis Chin Ching Chung, Fam Khing Foh, Lai Chau Liong, Alexander Ho Siew Hua, Bong Fook Kin; and member of commerce committee Leslie Lee Wee Hong. — DayakDaily