KJRI Kuching celebrates Sarawak-Indonesia bond with ‘Indonesian Evening’

Tumpeng cutting ceremony with the guests of honour.

KUCHING, 27 November 2025: The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching hosted the ‘Indonesian Evening: Celebrating Our Serumpun Bond and Shaping a Shared Future' yesterday evening at the Imperial Hotel Kuching. The event served as an important platform to further strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly between Indonesia and the State Government of Sarawak. The event is also held in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia’s independence and the 20th Anniversary of the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching. 

Last night’s distinguished guests include the Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Zulkifli and his wife, Madame Gusti Nirmala Zulkifli, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs & Sarawak Public Communications Unit – UKAS), Datuk Abdullah bin Haji Saidol, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy State Secretary, Datu Hii Chang Kee, Director of Regional Office Sarawak, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, Dato Fenny Nuli, Consul General of the Republic of China in Sarawak, His Excellency Xing Weiping, the Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Sarawak, His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Mahdani bin Dato Paduka Sheikh Haji Abdul Gani, senior Sarawak government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the business community, academics, media representatives, the Indonesian diaspora and officials from various government agencies. 

“Indonesia and Malaysia enjoy one of the closest bilateral relationships in the region—anchored in shared culture, shared heritage, and shared aspirations. This partnership has grown even stronger through the warm personal friendship between Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” shared H.E Dr. Abdullah Zulkifli in his welcoming speech. In his speech, he underscored the deep historical, cultural, and social bonds shared by Indonesia and Sarawak as ‘serumpun’ nations—an enduring foundation that continues to shape a dynamic and forward-looking bilateral partnership, highlighting the rapid expansion of Indonesia–Malaysia cooperation in Sarawak, particularly in the areas of economic engagement, trade, protection and services for Indonesian citizens, sociocultural exchanges, education, and cross-border connectivity.

Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Zulkifli.

“Sarawak and Indonesia are bound by geography, history, and shared aspirations. Our collaboration reflects a deep trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision of inclusive growth, cultural understanding, and sustainable development. As we commemorate Indonesia’s independence and the 20th year of its Consulate in Kuching, Sarawak reaffirms its unwavering commitment to work closely with Indonesia, to seize new opportunities, and to continue strengthening our bonds across economic, social, cultural, health, and scientific spheres,” said the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, in a speech read by Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The evening showcased Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through a captivating fashion presentation featuring Songket Sambas, Songket Padang, Songket Lampung, Batik Pekalongan, West Kalimantan Batik, and Megamendung Batik. The elegance and artistry of Indonesia’s traditional textiles were further complemented by cultural performances, including Tari Kidangna, Tari Lenggak Lenggok Nak Dare, and Bajigur Kahot. As a vibrant finale, guests joined in the joyful closing song Tabola Bale, creating a warm and memorable end to the evening. 

The atmosphere of friendship was further strengthened through interactions among invited guests, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Indonesian diaspora in Sarawak. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore cultural, tourism, and economic showcases as part of Indonesia’s public diplomacy efforts in the region.

This annual program of the Consulate General of Indonesia in Kuching is dedicated to strengthening Indonesia–Malaysia relations—especially with the Sarawak State Government—and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, and cultural promotion. Through Indonesian Evening, the Consulate General reaffirms its commitment to serving as a bridge of friendship between the two nations, for shared prosperity and a more interconnected future.

Last night’s event served as an important platform to further strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Sarawak.

Showcasing Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through a captivating fashion presentation.