Indonesia, Malaysia to Work further on Migrant Workers Protection, Borders

President Jokowi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Monday (01/09), at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java. (Photo by: PR of Secretariat Cabinet/ Jay)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (01/09) held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java.

In that meeting, President Jokowi delivered five points of note.

First, the President underscored the importance of protection of Indonesian migrant workers. He welcomed the commitment from PM Anwar Ibrahim to protect Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia and expected both countries to truly implement One Channel System (OCS) for recruitment and placement of Indonesian migrant workers.

The President also reminded the importance to build community learning center across Peninsular Malaysia to ensure the rights to education for children of Indonesian workers.

Second, both leaders have agreed to ensure the agreement on land borders (Sebatik, Sinapad Sesai), and sea borders (Sulawesi Sea and Malaka Strait) can be inked this year.

Third, President Jokowi and PM Anwar Ibrahim also agreed to enhance cooperation in expanding market and fighting discrimination against palm oil.

“We have agreed to enhance cooperation through Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) to expand palm oil market and fight discrimination against palm oil,” the President stated.

Fourth, President Jokowi also expressed his appreciation to Malaysia for the support of Flight Information Region (FIR) Agreement between Indonesia and Singapore.

Fifth, both leaders have agreed to further strengthen ASEAN cooperation on regional issues and increase ASEAN roles in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We agreed that ASEAN should play a central role in realizing a peaceful, prosperous, and stable Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

In addition, President Jokowi and his counterpart also discussed the latest situation in Myanmar. Both leaders shared similar views on the importance of Five Point Consensus.

“Indonesia and Malaysia share similar views on the importance to implement Five Point Consensus. We’ve agreed to urge the Myanmar’s military junta to implement the Five Point Consensus,” the President firmly asserted. (RSF/UN) (RAS/HD/MMB)