Indonesia-Malaysia Annual Consultation Meeting: Commitment to Cooperation, Peace, Migrant Protection

President Prabowo Subianto holds the annual consultation meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (07/29). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto held the annual consultation meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (07/29).

The meeting, which was conducted in a warm atmosphere, resulted in several important agreements, ranging from resolving bilateral issues to strengthening ASEAN’s role in maintaining regional stability.

In a statement after the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono explained that the two leaders talked about significant achievements that have been made by both countries in recent years. One of these was cooperation in education, particularly for the children of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia.

“It also discussed the establishment of Community Learning Centers for children and students in Malaysia Peninsula as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. Children of Indonesian migrant workers can attend school there,” Sugiono said.

The meeting also addressed regional security issues, including the escalation that occurred at the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia is actively communicating with Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, to encourage de-escalation measures.

“Since the first day of the incident, ASEAN foreign ministers have coordinated to urge both parties to restrain. Indonesia also communicated with the ASEAN Chair, Malaysia, stating our readiness to do whatever necessary to achieve a de-escalation and ceasefire between the two countries,” he explained.
He also underscored that ASEAN remains committed to seeking solutions based on familial cooperation.

“Between Cambodia and Thailand, there is a Joint Border Committee that is tasked with discussing these border issues. We also conveyed that ASEAN shares a common belief that we want to resolve this issue through a familial and by ASEAN way,” said Sugiono.

On that occasion, President Prabowo also underscored the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries in various sectors, especially the economy. According to the President, the shared culture and language have become a strong foundation to build cooperation that brings benefits to the welfare of the peoples of Indonesia and Malaysia.

“Friendship should also be realized through good economic relations between the two countries for the welfare of both people,” Sugiono added. (BPMI) (EST/MMB)