Pontianak trade office talks held three times so far

By Shikin Louis

PONTIANAK, Aug 9: Indonesia’s West Kalimantan (Kalbar) and Sarawak have already held three meetings to discuss the setting up of a Sarawak trade and tourism office in Pontianak, says Kalbar Governor Ria Norsan.

Speaking to Sarawak journalists after attending the sixth anniversary celebration of the Ikatan Jurnalis Televisi Indonesia (ITJI) Kalbar here today, Ria Norsan said the Kalbar government fully supports the move.

“We welcome the proposal with open arms.

“Please go ahead with trade and tourism activities. We support it,” he said.

He noted that discussions were held directly with him, signalling strong commitment from both sides to enhance cross-border cooperation.

These discussions are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and tourism ties between the neighbouring regions.

Sarawak currently has two trade and tourism offices, one in Singapore and one in Brunei, with Pontianak expected to be the third.

The proposed office is expected to boost tourism promotion, cultural exchange and business networking between Sarawak and Kalbar.

On April 22, Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan reportedly said the Pontianak office is in the works and a suitable building will be identified.

“Actually last year, I had plans to go to Pontianak to look for one (building), but I didn’t have the chance.

“This year, we will go look for a suitable building to set up the office in Kalimantan,” he said.

Also present at the 6th ITJI Kalbar Anniversary celebration were ITJI president Herik Kurniawan, secretary-general Usmar Almarwan, ITJI Kalbar chairman Yuni Hardi and the event’s organising chairman Samsul Hardi. — DayakDaily

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