President Jokowi, Malaysian PM Discuss Border Issues, Palm Oil Discrimination

President Jokowi and the First Lady Ibu Iriana Jokowi are welcomed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse Dato’ Seri Wan Azizah, Thursday (06/08), at the Seri Perdana Complex, Putrajaya, Malaysia. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and the Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim Thursday (06/08) discussed cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia in several sectors at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s official residence, in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya, Malaysia.

In the meeting, the two leaders also talked about negotiations on territorial sea border that have been successfully completed after almost 18 years.

“I welcome the settlement negotiation of territorial sea border in Sulawesi Sea and the southern part of the Malacca Strait after 18 years of the negotiation process. Alhamdulillah, it is thanks to Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” the President said in a joint press statement.

On that occasion, the President also expressed hope that other border negotiations can be completed in the near future, including land borders of Sebatik and Sinapad–Sesai.

The Head of State also welcomed the completion of several memorandums of understanding (MoU) between the two countries that include border-crossing related agreements, border trade agreements, halal certification, and investment promotion cooperation.

In addition, President Jokowi and PM Anwar also discussed the protection of Indonesian migrant workers.

President Jokowi expressed appreciation for PM Anwar’s commitment to strengthening protection and fair law enforcement for Indonesian workers.

“Mr. Anwar and I agreed to form a special bilateral mechanism to resolve the issues of Indonesian migrant workers,” he said.

“I also encourage the Community Learning Center in Semenanjung to be realized immediately. I also expect Indonesian citizens who are at the Immigration Depot to be sent home immediately, and the one channel system must be optimized,” he added.

The President also called for collaboration to fight discrimination against palm oil and other commodities to be strengthened continuously.

“Do not let the commodities produced by Malaysia and Indonesia be discriminated against in other countries,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RIF/MMB)