KUCHING: Following Indonesia’s plan to move its capital to East Kalimantan, Sarawak must be ready to accept the challenges, among them, security.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing reminded that Sarawak’s border must be
protected at all times.
Thus, he suggested that a border highway be built, “because we never know what will happen in the future.”
“Today we have the best of relationship with Jokowi (Indonesia’s
president), but tomorrow, we never know,” said Masing, also the Infrastructure and Ports Development Minister.
The federal government, he said, must view accessibility beyond transportation.
“We should view this border highway for our security. Thus, the federal government must provide funds for its construction.”
Masing said one of the reasons why Jokowi wanted to move the capital of Indonesia from Jakarta to East Kalimantan was over population and the city itself is sinking, which in the long run will endanger the lives of 10 million people.
He said there were environmental groups hostile to such a move because it would endanger the wildlife within the new site.
“We were informed that proper environmental studies were carried out to ensure that environmental disturbances are minimised,” he added.
However, he said NGOs must be able to balance human needs with that of wildlife.
