The Nusantara Capital City (IKN) and the Sarawak Government of Malaysia has met to discuss opportunities for collaboration in various sectors. The meeting took place at the IKN Authority Office on Dec. 10, 2025. It was a strategic opportunity to explore potential cross-sector cooperation and investment, ranging from transportation, education, health, and culture.

The Sarawak Government is also preparing to authorize direct flight routes to several areas in Kalimantan Island, including the IKN. The route will be operated by AirBorneo, Sarawak's newly-founded state-owned regional airline. The opening of the route is expected to strengthen the flight network in Kalimantan and support the operation of the Nusantara International Airport.

"We are on the same island of Kalimantan. [Thus,] we are very interested in the development of Nusantara. As fellow territories in Kalimantan, we would also be proud if the whole world will eventually come to Nusantara," said Sarawak Minister of Transport Lee Kim Shin in a written statement on Dec. 11, 2025.

Lee also touched on his plan to develop a transnational railway line connecting various territories in Kalimantan Island.

"In addition to air transportation, we are also reviewing the development of a railway line connecting three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam," he explained.

IKN Secretary Bimo Adi Nursanthyasto, welcomed the plan. He also highlighted the importance of improving regional connectivity.

"The Nusantara [International] Airport will soon be operational as a commercial airport. This will facilitate mobility to and from the capital city. If the transnational railway line is realized, it will also stimulate the Southeast Asian economy and demonstrate the strong economic dynamics of the region to the world," he stated.

For collaboration in the healthcare sector, Sarawak, which boasts great healthcare facilities, is open to collaboration with hospitals in the IKN, including in medical research, which could mutually strengthen service capacity. For the cultural sector, Sarawak and the IKN, with their shared cultural roots, see opportunities for developing joint cultural exchange programs and events in the future, such as a potential chopstick competitions.