KUCHING: In view of increasing cross-border trade and travel at the Lubok Antu (Sarawak)-Badau (Kalimantan) border, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed the setting up of a cross-border railway system between the two countries.
He said the railway system could be used, for instance, to transport goods from the Indonesian side to the state’s new port in Tanjung Manis.
“If we were to build roads (instead), it would not last very long because of the (cargo) load factor. But if we have a rail, then it can easily bring cargo from Badau to Tanjung Manis.
“This is just a suggestion to enhance our relationship, particularly economic and trade, between the two countries,” said Abang Johari at the Indonesia-Sarawak Cultural Night event at Hilton Hotel on Thursday.
He also suggested that Sarawak and Indonesia collaborate in the field of telecommunications – as Sarawak was turning into a digital economy – and by working together with Indonesia, it would be possible to connect Kalimantan to the telecommunication network grid.
When this happens, it would not only improve the Internet connection between Sarawak and Indonesia but could also improve bilateral trade, where both sides could collaborate to integrate each other’s online payment systems.
“That means maybe one day we have a mobile online payment between Kalimantan and Sarawak, so we don’t have to bring a lot of cash with us when we go to either side of the border – just use our mobile phones.
“Maybe Sarawak Pay can work with the Indonesian online payment system,” he said.
At the event, the Chief Minister also expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian Consul-General in Kuching Jahar Gultom for his four-year contribution in enhancing the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia particularly between Kalimantan and Sarawak.
Jahar has been serving as the Indonesian Consul-General in Kuching starting on November, 2014 until June, 2018.
