KOTA KINABALU: A Malaysian delegation will depart for a working visit to Indonesia on Saturday (March 26), led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
They are expected to meet up with Indonesian top officials to discuss various matters such as economic bilateral relations and other international issues.
"This is an important visit, especially for the Sabah and Sarawak governments following Indonesia's decision to shift its capital city to Kalimantan, located near the borders of the two states.
"The delegation aims to obtain first-hand information on the new location of the Indonesian capital and its likely impact on the border economy between Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak.
"Further, we also hope the visit will enhance existing ties between the two countries so we can work closely economically, socially and politically in the future," said Ongkili in a statement on Friday (March 25).
Indonesia is expected to transfer its capital from Jakarta in 2024, after facing some delays when the government switched its priority to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The delegation will include Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister cum Industrial Development Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Sarawak Deputy Premier Minister cum International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Also joining the delegation are Sabah Special Envoy for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) chief investment officer Kevin George, International Trade and Industry Ministry senior director (Asean Economic Integration Division) Jamilah Hassan and Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum as a Sarawak stakeholder.
Ongkili said during the week-long programme, they will be visiting several locations in Jakarta, Balikpapan, Samarinda and Tarakan.