Abang Johari (fifth right) and Awang Tengah (sixth right) in a group photo with the signatories and other witnesses after the signing of the three MoUs.
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the signing of three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Jakarta, People’s Rebublic of Indonesia yesterday.
Sarawak-based company Danawa Resources Sdn Bhd and PT Trans Hybrid Communication signed theirs at the Jakarta International Convention Centre. The MoU paves the way for collaboration in deploying fibre optic telecommunication infrastructure to enable Indonesia inter-border connectivity at Entikong-Tebedu and Badau-Lubok Antu.
Abang Johari (centre right) and Awang Tengah (centre left) witness the exchanging of documents between Abang Abdul Karim and Destiawan (right).
Currently, both parties have an existing collaboration in deploying fibre optic inter-border connectivity at Aruk-Biawak which extends to Singkawang and connects all the way to Pontianak.
The on-going project is due to be completed by end of the year. This fibre optic network will further enhance the high speed internet communication across Borneo, especially to West Kalimantan and the rest of Indonesia.
PT Trans Hybrid Communication is an Indonesian company that provide solutions and services by delivering high quality connectivity to international gateways /backbones as well as domestic/ local links to any destination in Indonesia. Danawa meanwhile is a nationwide service provider in Malaysia since 2006.
It has been involved in various telecommunication projects that include telecommunication tower and fibre optic deployment, whilst providing commercial internet broadband connectivity to corporate customers and the public.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development and Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources, was also present as witness.
Brooke Dockyard Engineering Works Corporation Sarawak (BDEWC) then sealed an MoU with PT Wijaya Karya (Persero).
Signing on behalf of BDEWC was its chairman Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg while Persero was represented by Director of Operation Destiawan Soewarjono.
The MoU is to explore business opportunities in infrastructure development projects in Sarawak and to collaborate on cable stayed bridges based on its experience in overseas projects. Persero and BDEWC are desirous in obtaining business opportunities in connection with infrastructure projects in Sarawak.
Brooke Dockyard is actively involved in oil and gas, offshore modules, fabrication, civil infrastructure (steel bridges) and marine engineering (ship repair and ship building) industries in Sarawak. Persero, meanwhile, is a leading international company listed in the main board of the stock market and majority share-owned by the government of Indonesia. It primarily engages in provisioning construction services and its business covers construction, mechanical and electrical, industry, real estate and mining. BDEWC is a State Statutory Body established under Brooke Dockyard and Engineering Works Corporation Ordinance.
A MoU between the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCII) Republic of Indonesia and the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) was also inked on Tuesday.
Signing on behalf of ICCI was its vice-chairman Shinta Widjaya Kamdani while SBF was represented by vice-president Datu Abang Halmi Ikhwan.
The purpose of the MoU is to establish a practical framework for the development of stronger business relations between the two parties and to set for the procedures of the cooperation which can enhance the implementation of reciprocal economic objectives.
It is also to enable both parties to collaborate in the fields of trade and industry, finance, investment, tourism, medical and other fields.
The areas of cooperation is to promote and increase bilateral services, trade and investments between the two countries; promote the use of new economic hub for West Kalimantan and Sarawak in order to mutually benefit the base economies of the two regions; and enable economic integration.
It also aims to espouse the Entikong-Tebedu Gateway as an entry or exit point for international trade, advocate the establishment of Tebedu-EntikongCross Border Economic Zone, and to embrace and facilitate the use of ports in West Kalimantan and Sarawak as export/ import gateways for goods in transit.
Besides that, it is also to establish more regional direct air connectivity between cities and to enhance passenger flow and tourism.
The MoU hopes to strengthen their mutual cooperation to enhance and promote bilateral trade and relations between Indonesia and Sarawak to advance the economic growth and development of both countries specifically at the interior cross-border towns and surrounding regions.
The Sarawak delegation was in the republic’s capital city to attend the five-day Trade Expo Indonesia 2018 at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The expo was launched by President Joko Widodo.
Also in the delegation were Assistant Minister of Industries and Investment Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and Deputy State Secretary Datu Abu Bakar Marzuki.