FEBRUARI 2026
PREMIER OF SARAWAK CALLS FOR DEEPER REGIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION AT INDONESIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2026
JAKARTA, 3 February 2026 – The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, today called on regional business bodies and associations to demonstrate courage and foresight by forging new partnerships and strengthening existing collaborations to enhance regional competitiveness and economic resilience.
Delivering his keynote address at the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2026 held at the Shangri-La Hotel here, the Premier emphasised that organisations such as the Indonesia Business Council (IBC) and other regional associations must not remain complacent amid rapid global economic shifts.
“Regional business communities must deepen economic linkages, widen trade, and enhance competitiveness. To sustain growth and remain globally competitive, ASEAN must evolve towards a more diversified, high-value and low-carbon industrial model,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in the current global economic climate, the Premier noted that platforms such as IES 2026 play a vital role in strengthening bonds within the Borneo region and ASEAN.
“Today’s economic environment gives renewed relevance to this vision. The presence of leaders and stakeholders here brings the Borneo family together, reaffirming our collective destiny and deep sense of regional kinship. Through this platform, Borneo’s development and strategic location can be translated into meaningful economic value,” he added.
The Premier also underscored ASEAN’s significant economic standing, noting that the region is home to more than 670 million people and recorded a combined gross domestic product of USD3.8 trillion in 2023, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy. He said ASEAN now stands at a critical juncture as it transitions towards a major industrial transformation.
“At a time of growing global competition and economic uncertainty, the spirit of regional cooperation matters more than ever. These challenges test not only our domestic economies, but also our collective resolve to remain open and connected as trading partners within ASEAN. We must move forward with confidence, seize opportunities amid uncertainty, and translate intent into tangible outcomes,” he said.
Speaking to the media during a press conference after the keynote address, the Premier described IES 2026 as a vital platform that brings together like-minded leaders and stakeholders who share a common focus on the new economy.
He said the summit presents a rare opportunity to deliberate on solutions and pathways forward, while also opening avenues for partnerships, collaboration and investments that are crucial for regional development and the improvement of living standards.
The Premier further noted that discussions at the summit would help strengthen regional cooperation for the benefit of all parties involved. He revealed that he had been invited by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, to visit Indonesia more frequently in connection with cooperation in the semiconductor sector.
“Today, I was invited by Airlangga Hartarto to visit Indonesia more frequently as Sarawak is set to supply the latest generation of semiconductor technologies,” he said.
He added that the engagement witnessed at IES 2026 must continue, particularly between Malaysia, especially Sarawak and Indonesia, noting that the conference reflects a shared understanding and alignment towards advancing the new economy.