Outgoing Indonesian Consul-General in Kuching calls for continued efforts to benefit Borneo communities
KUCHING (April 26): Outgoing Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, urged his future successor to build on the initiatives from his tenure, especially those focused on benefiting communities across Kalimantan, Sarawak, and the broader Borneo region.
'If possible, we hope the new Consul-General will be even better. We've already started paving the way. What we really want is for everyone in this shared region—Kalimantan, Borneo—to be able to benefit,' he said.
He was speaking to reporters at Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI), Kuching premises here on Friday (April 25), during the Dissemination of the Achievements of Indonesian Diplomacy in Sarawak 2022–2025, held alongside a farewell dinner to mark the conclusion of his official duties in Sarawak.
Earlier that day, Raden paid a farewell courtesy visit to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, where he highlighted the importance of regional connectivity.
'Improved access is important to strengthen our connectivity, whether from West Kalimantan to Sarawak, or in the future, from Sarawak to East Kalimantan,' he said.
He added that the development of Indonesia's new capital in East Kalimantan would make closer ties even more valuable, benefitting not just Kalimantan and Sarawak, but the wider region including Sabah and beyond.
The visit was among his final official engagements before concluding his three-year term in Sarawak on April 30, 2025.
When asked what key message he would relay to the Indonesian government based on his experience in Sarawak, Raden highlighted the urgency of addressing nationality issues and ensuring protection for Indonesian citizens.
'At the moment, nationality issues are quite prominent. We want to do our utmost to improve how these matters are handled,' he said.
He stressed that clarity on an individual's citizenship status is crucial to ensure access to basic services.
'With clear identification of one's nationality, it becomes easier to access education and healthcare—both of which are extremely important.
'If this status is unclear, it will cause difficulties and complications in that person's life journey,' he said.
Raden also praised Sarawak leaders for their positive attitude towards cooperation with Indonesia.
'I think it's been extremely positive. From the Head of State, to the Premier, ministers, even the mayors—everyone has responded warmly to cooperation with Indonesia. We hope this does not stop here.'
Raden also highlighted the strong potential for collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which could benefit both countries.
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