New Consul-General serve in Sabah, enhances bilateral ties

17 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Indonesian Consulate-General (KJRI) in Sabah remains focused on safeguarding the welfare of Indonesian nationals in the state, particularly those working in the plantation, construction, and domestic sectors, said its Consul-General.

During a brief meeting with the media in the Indonesian Consulate recently, the Consulate General Norman Effendie said the consulate’s primary responsibility is to provide protection, consular services, and assistance to Indonesian citizens, many of whom contribute significantly to Sabah’s workforce.

The Consul-general took over from Rafael Walangkitan.

“Our priority is the wellbeing of Indonesian workers in Sabah. We ensure their rights are protected, and we intervene whenever issues such as unpaid wages, labour disputes, or cases of abuse arise,” the Consul-General said.

He added that the consulate works closely with Malaysian authorities on matters involving arrests, detentions, trafficking cases, and emergency repatriations.

In addition to citizen protection, the consulate handles the issuance of passports, legalisation of documents, and other consular services. It also plays a role in facilitating legal recruitment processes and regularisation programmes for Indonesian workers.

“We maintain strong engagement with employers, recruitment agencies, and the Sabah government to ensure fair treatment and proper documentation for our citizens,” he said.

The Consul-General noted that the consulate is also active in cultural diplomacy and state-level cooperation, including initiatives in education, community development, and cross-border relations.

“Indonesia and Sabah share longstanding ties. Our mission here is not only to protect our people but also to strengthen bilateral collaboration in various sectors,” he added.

He was speaking to the media during a brief press conference on his appointment.

He had initially met with the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Noor, earlier.