Sarawak–Indonesia Cycling Cooperation Expanded Through Borneo Cycling Odyssey 2026
KUCHING: Cycling collaboration between Sarawak and Indonesia continues to grow through the organisation of the Borneo Cycling Odyssey 2026, which serves not only as a sporting event but also as a platform for fostering closer regional ties across Borneo.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the cycling programme reflected the shared heritage and enduring bonds between communities in Sarawak and neighbouring Indonesia.
“We in Borneo come from the same roots. Programmes like this not only promote a healthy lifestyle, but also nurture fraternity and cross-border cooperation among the people,” he said at a dinner event, held in conjunction with the programme, aboard the Royal Kuching Cruise at the Kuching Waterfront on Tuesday.
Datuk Gerald added that international cycling events of this nature could generate positive spillover effects for tourism and the local economy.
“The presence of participants from abroad helps showcase the beauty of Sarawak while creating economic opportunities for local communities. This illustrates how sports can serve as a catalyst for unity and development,” he added.
Meanwhile, Basuki Raharjo expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended by the Sarawak Government to participants from Indonesia.
“We truly felt the sense of brotherhood. The fatigue of cycling seemed to disappear when we were welcomed with such warmth by our friends in Sarawak,” he said.
According to him, 20 cyclists from Indonesia took part in the programme representing several cycling communities including from West Kalimantan and Java, with some participants having completed a 1,600-kilometre ride around Kalimantan.
He also conveyed the intention of the Indonesian Cycling Federation to broaden future collaboration with Sarawak, including joint participation in cycling competitions held in West Kalimantan and Sarawak.
“In the future, we hope this cooperation can be expanded further. Cyclists from Sarawak are welcome to take part in competitions in West Kalimantan, while our cyclists will continue joining cycling programmes in Sarawak,” he said.
Also present were Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) Dzulkornain Masron, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Sports Corporation Khairul Nizam Morshidi, and other guests. -UKASnews
