North Kalimantan develops strategic projects ranging from industrial zones to hydropower
Tarakan, North Kalimantan — The Governor of North Kalimantan, Zainal A. Paliwang, stated that the provincial government is currently developing various strategic projects, ranging from the Indonesian Green Industrial Park (KIHI), the Tanah Kuning–Mangkupadi International Industrial and Port Zone (KIPI), and the Kayan Cascade hydropower plant, to the downstream processing of the fisheries and seaweed sectors, as well as green energy development.
“This immense potential serves as vital capital to support the supply chain of the New Capital City (IKN), while simultaneously strengthening the competitiveness of the border region so that it may grow into a resilient and sustainable new economic centre,” Zainal said during the 28th Session of the Malaysia-Indonesia Socio-Economic Working Group (Sosek Malindo).
The Governor of North Kalimantan assessed that the development of IKN opens wider opportunities for collaboration between North Kalimantan and Sabah, spanning sectors such as trade, investment, logistics, employment, tourism, and food security.
He continued that the Sosek Malindo Session—attended by the Chairman of the Sabah State Sosek Malindo Working Committee, Datuk Jamili Nais, along with officials from the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau, representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Border Management Agency (BNPP), and members of the North Kalimantan Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda)—is essential for evaluating previous cooperation results and drafting new collaborative agendas for the border region.
“The 28th Sosek Malindo Session is a follow-up to the previous session held in Sandakan, Malaysia. This forum discusses the evaluation of work programme implementation and identifies various obstacles to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation between the two regions,” he explained.
Consequently, Zainal expressed hope that the recommendations produced by the session would be realistic, actionable, and provide tangible benefits to the border communities in both countries.
“I hope all delegates prioritise the spirit of deliberation and mutual respect in every discussion to ensure benefits for both Indonesia and Malaysia,” he said.
Zainal emphasised that the relationship between North Kalimantan and Sabah holds strategic value, supported not only by geographical proximity but also by shared culture and long-standing social ties. As a result, activities in trade, education, and socio-cultural exchange continue to transform the border region into a shared, developing living space.
“It is an honour for us to host this session. The presence of all delegates demonstrates a shared commitment to continuously strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, specifically between North Kalimantan and Sabah,” he concluded.