Business · Economy · 1 day ago
Kalimantan envisioned as a regional economic hub
Indonesia’s planning minister, Rachmat Pambudy, says Kalimantan could become a major economic hub.
The plan involves closer cooperation between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, whose territories are on the island of Borneo.
Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, is seen as a centre that could help draw economic activity beyond Java and Sumatra.
Proposed growth areas include clean technology, pharmaceuticals, sustainable farming, tourism, chemicals and low-carbon energy.
The government also wants stronger roads, ports, airports, energy links and digital infrastructure to connect businesses with regional markets.
Pambudy says investment in education, health, skills and infrastructure is needed, while protecting local communities, water resources and the environment.
The stated goal is to expand jobs and economic opportunities and make development more inclusive across the region.
Kalimantan is envisioned as a regional economic hub to support economic transformation and more balanced development in Indonesia.
National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy said stronger connectivity and cooperation among regions could expand access to jobs, economic opportunities and basic services.
He called for stronger cooperation among Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
The proposed transformation in Borneo would be supported by six strategic clusters, including clean technology, sustainable agriculture and low-carbon energy.
The government also aims to strengthen transport links, ports, airports and economic corridors across Kalimantan.
- Who
- Indonesia’s government, with National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy outlining the vision. The plan also calls for cooperation with Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
- What
- Kalimantan is projected to become a regional economic hub, supported by stronger connectivity and economic cooperation.
- When
- The report was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo, with regional cooperation involving Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
- Why
- To support economic transformation, more balanced development, jobs and access to basic services.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This is a new triangle of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. But in truth this is not merely a new triangle, but a golden triangle for the future
We need investment in people and infrastructure. This transformation must continue to take social and cultural aspects and ecological resilience into account, including the rights of local communities and the protection of water resources.
Our shared priorities include transport and border connectivity, energy connectivity and cross-border networks, industrial investment, regional value chains, digital infrastructure, capacity development, and artificial intelligence.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Proposed hub
- Kalimantan
- Regional partners
- Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam
- Strategic clusters
- Six
- Transport links
- Nusantara-Balikpapan-Samarinda corridor and Trans-Kalimantan network
- Report date
- October 10, 2026
Sources
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