Raden Sigit Witjaksono said the idea floated by Abang Johari last month “deserves support” and would be passed on to the relevant authorities in Jakarta, The Borneo Post reported.

“Borneo’s cooperation extends beyond economic sectors and connectivity. Collaboration among the Bornean people forms a strong foundation for a more advanced and prosperous Borneo.

“We will convey this proposal to the relevant parties in Indonesia with the hope that it will become an annual sports event in Borneo,” he was quoted as saying.

In August, Abang Johari said he had been toying with the idea of reviving the Borneo Games with the participation of Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia’s Kalimantan.

He said he had even raised the proposal with youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh, and that the games would be a good platform to prepare Sarawak’s athletes for international competitions.

The biennial games were last held in Brunei in 2009.