TARAKAN: There will be continuous engagements between the Malaysian Government, especially Sabah and Sarawak, and North Tarakan, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, here, Thursday.
Speaking during the courtesy call on North Kalimantan Governor, Dr H. Zainal Arifin Paliwang, upon Ongkili’s arrival here, the two top officials discussed various issues, ranging from bilateral and international matters to potential business and investment opportunities.
“There are a lot of opportunities that can be tapped here, especially since North Kalimantan, or also known as Kaltara, is the youngest province in Indonesia,” he explained.
Kaltara, covering 71,827 sq km, was formed on Oct 25, 2012, after its separation from East Kalimantan province to reduce development disparity.
After the call, Ongkili was briefed by Universitas Borneo Tarakan on the Coral Triangle Initiative and other related issues, by lecturer Dr Rukisah Saleh.
Ongkili led the Malaysian delegates, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, for a week-long visit to Indonesia.
Tarakan is the group’s fourth stop, after Jakarta, Samarinda and Balikpapan.
