TAWAU: The longstanding close relations between Malaysia and Indonesia should continue to be strengthened for the sake of mutual wellbeing and prosperity, said the Chief Representative of the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau, Heni Hamidah.
She said the relationship could be enhanced through cooperation, including in economy, culture and trade, which show that Sabah, especially Tawau, and Indonesia have mutual dependence.
“After 77 years of Indonesia’s independence, we are confident of better relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, as evident from the many Indonesians working here.
“We hope the development carried out in Indonesia, particularly in North Kalimantan (the relocation of the capital) and Tawau as a border town in Sabah will open up more opportunities in the economic sector,” she told reporters after the commemoration of Indonesia’s 77th Independence Day, here, Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Heni said there are currently 164 Indonesians at the Tawau Immigration Detention Depot waiting for documentation for their repatriation.
“Recently, 239 Indonesians held at the detention depot were sent home. Immediate deportation is done to ensure their welfare is protected,” she added.
She said 11 Indonesian detainees died at the Tawau Immigration Detention Depot in 2021 and six died in the first six months of this year, all as a result of suffering from various diseases.
“Based on post-mortems and reports from the Immigration Department, we understand that they died of heart problems, pneumonia and leptospirosis, among other diseases,” she added.
