GOVT-TO-GOVT PRIVATE SECTOR RELATIONS
KUCHING: The Sarawak Manufacturers Association (SMA) hopes that the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching will be able to play the role of coordinator for government-to-government (G2G) and private sector relations between Sarawak and Indonesia.
“There is potential in how both sides can work together in terms of business ventures. We hope that they will help us out to make it possible,” said SMA president Joseph Lau Ka Hoo.
He said this when paying a courtesy call on Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Yonny Tri Prayitno, at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia’s Office here yesterday.
SMA secretary-general Stephen Hii said that one of the matters discussed during the visit was Indonesian workers, namely that Sarawak manufacturers still required at least 20 percent of Indonesian workers for their production lines.
According to him, the government permitted Indonesian workers for plantation and construction sectors, but not manufacturing.
“Of course, we support Sarawakian workers, but sometimes we need overtime workers. Sarawakian workers do not prefer to work overtime, so we still need at least 20 percent of Indonesian workers as a backup.”
Another agenda of the visit was to discuss the possibility of a free industrial zone between Indonesia and Sarawak, especially in Tebedu and Entikong.
“It was also mentioned that we may form a mission and tourism trip planned for next year, with the main purpose being raw material sourcing, joint venture manufacturing, and technology transfer between manufacturers in both countries.”
Hii said that SMA had also requested for flexible ML (Makanan Luar) codes for export and import borders.
Explaining further, SMA vice-president Sim Cho Phong said it was a challenge for Sarawak manufacturers to register for this ML code as they were small-scale. He said that this code was needed for food products imported into Indonesia.
“So, we hope that they will be more flexible and allow our local food manufacturers’ products to be exported to Indonesia.”
Meanwhile, commenting on the visit, Yonny said the economic development process between Sarawak and Indonesia must be supported, especially during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
“We start from the bottom and see what products are currently needed by the people. We collaborate to put the people’s interests first.” Yonny said he would assist by contacting various groups, including Indonesian leaders and entrepreneurs.
