Unlocking rural-urban synergy via polycentric growth

AS Sarawak moves toward 2030, its socio-economic programmes stand as blueprints for balancing growth and sustainability, ensuring that even the most remote villages become focal points of progress.

Such a vision encapsulates the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

In place of consolidating developments along urban centres, Sarawak is making conscious efforts to interlink its vast and sparsely populated countryside into the economic and social mainstream of the state.

Polycentric growth model

Development strategy by the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is based on the concepts of polycentric growth.

It is an urban planning model in which it highlights the nexus between urban and rural development for equitable and sustainable progress.

With Abang Johari committed to the application of the model in his development policy and repeatedly benchmarking his rural-urban policy to an integrated co-prosperity sphere, this can aptly be termed the ‘Johari Polycentric Model’, with the emphasis on the multiple-centred approach that minimises disparities while promoting co-prosperity.

It contrasts with the conventional monocentric models, where economic, social and cultural activities are concentrated within a single population centre.

This polycentric model of integrated development underscores Abang Johari’s commitment to a future where Sarawak thrives as a cohesive, interconnected mosaic of thriving communities, redefining progress through inclusivity and strategic connectivity.

The strategy emphasises the need to create a large number of prosperous ‘nodes’ across the state; hence, polycentricity.

These nodes are made up of expanding rural centres of growth and towns, connected by good transportation networks such as the Pan Borneo Highway, Second Trunk Road, and the Coastal Highway.

Each of these nodes serves as dispersed centres of activity. In fact, the concept brings the best in terms of services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities to the doorsteps of rural populations.

Inclusive development plans

Physical isolation is being torn down through massive infrastructure and the equally widespread rollout of rural electrification and clean water projects.

At the same time, digital connectivity projects turn remote longhouses and coastal communities into nodes of the digital economy.

Truly, connectivity is the lifeblood of modern commerce and industry, and as recent events have painfully illustrated, digital connectivity can literally be a lifeline.

By decentralising development, the vision of Abang Johari is well placed to promote regional balance, resilience, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that growth is not confined to a few centres but shared across the state.

Inclusive economic plans that focus on enhancing rural development are incorporated into the concept of inclusiveness that Sarawak has set for maintaining prosperity after Year 2030.

Balancing vertical, horizontal empowerment

As Sarawak journeys through the early phase of 2030, its socioeconomic models serve as templates in balancing sustainability with growth, ensuring even the remotest village becomes a driver of progress.

Sarawak’s rural development projects are an example of an inclusive approach that balances vertical and horizontal policies that address rural and urban systemic imbalances.

Vertically, the Sarawak government focuses on involving innovative technology such as high technology of information and communications technology, smart agriculture, and renewable energy in rural areas.

This has a positive impact on improving the education sector in rural areas, the health sector, and the economic sector.

This is because the phenomenon of rural retrogression is directly addressed.

Horizontally, in Sarawak, there is conventional knowledge such as the patterns of local crops, local knowledge, and local culture.

This is the impetus of sustainable developments and ensures that rural areas maintain their identity despite the effects of modernisation.

Equal growth

Horizontally, there is a sense of cooperation between the communities, the public sector, and the private sectors based on the aim for equal growth.

Embracing the idea of PPP or CPPPs, the Sarawak government can benefit from innovation, well-strategised policymaking, or knowledge for the aim of co-creation.

For example, the public or private investment for agritourism or e-commerce can encourage the rural communities by understanding the wisdom derived from the handicraft.

This horizontal integration of growth allows for sharing of resources and decision-making, giving marginalised communities a say.

These approaches synergistically help build robust, self-retaining communities; where technology bridges divides, tradition roots growth, and together, community action and solidarity tear down historic divides between urban and rural communities.

Distributive growth policy

The ‘distributive growth’ philosophy advocated by Abang Johari has greatly benefitted the Sarawak government in making sure that all Sarawakians get to share the benefits of development.

To ensure the meaningful participation of rural people in Sarawak’s Transformation 2030 (ST2030), the government’s strategy extends beyond infrastructure to human capital development and inclusive economic models.

The focus is on upskilling and reskilling the rural workforce through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres, providing them with the expertise needed for modern agriculture, tourism, and the digital sector.

Furthermore, the state is championing a new paradigm of ‘stakeholderism’, where local communities are given equity and ownership in major development projects on their land, transforming them from passive beneficiaries into active partners in progress.

This includes harnessing the economic potential of river cascading systems in the upper reaches of the major rivers across Sarawak where local village communities are engaged as participants and equity partners.

By combining access to resources, skills training, and genuine ownership, Sarawak is not just developing its rural areas; it is empowering its rural populace to be the primary drivers and architects of their own prosperous future within the ambitious framework of Sarawak Transformation 2030.

Integrated strategy

At the heart of this strategy lies a holistic approach that harmonises technological innovation, cultural preservation, and collaborative partnerships.

By integrating digital infrastructure into rural landscapes such as deploying high-speed internet, e-learning platforms, and smart agriculture tools, Sarawak is empowering remote villages to thrive in the digital age.

Central to this vision is the cultivation of public-private partnerships, which pool resources and expertise to drive infrastructure projects, vocational training, and healthcare expansion in underserved areas.

For instance, collaborations with agribusinesses and tech firms have enabled farm-to-market supply chains and digital literacy programmes, boosting livelihoods while fostering economic self-reliance.

This integrated model not only narrows urban-rural disparities, but also sets a precedent for balancing rapid modernisation with cultural and ecological preservation, proving that growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.

In Sarawak’s pursuit of progress, the voices and strengths of its rural heartlands are woven into the fabric of a shared, thriving future.

The leadership of the Sarawak government has demonstrated the boldness and vision that are essential for the new economic thrusts by broadening the economic base, boosting the GDP, and highlighting the significance of distributive growth.

This has made it possible for Sarawak to transcend the familiar story of the conventional growth path.

PCDS: Foundational framework

Central to the current development policy and strategies are the core objectives of PCDS 2030. They serve as the foundational framework and force powers that drive embedded transformations, embracing within them everything strategic in terms of both elements and processes.

These and the broad operating framework of the polycentric model of development are found in the recently-launched book ‘Greening Transformation: Sarawak 2030 & Beyond’.

The publication not only reflects on the trajectory of these policies but also invites readers to engage with the broader socio-political and environmental dimensions of transformation under Abang Johari’s leadership.

The leadership of the Sarawak government has demonstrated the boldness and vision that are essential for the new economic thrusts by broadening the economic base, boosting the GDP and highlighting the significance of distributive growth.

This has made it possible for Sarawak to transcend the familiar story of the conventional growth path.

* Toman Mamora is ‘Tokoh Media Sarawak 2022’, recipient of Shell Journalism Gold Award (1996) and AZAM Best Writer Gold Award (1998). A holder of PhD in Social Anthropology (Nottingham UK), this communication and research consultant remains true to his decades-long passion for critical writing as he seeks to gain insight into some untold stories of societal value.