President Jokowi, Malaysian Prime Minister Discuss Citizens Protection, Palm Oil Issues

President Joko Widodo talks to Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin before performing Friday Prayer at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (05/02). Photo by: Press Bureau of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday (05/02) welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who made an official visit to Indonesia.

“Indonesia and Malaysia are close neighbors. Malaysia is one of Indonesia’s important partners in trade, investment, tourism and socio-cultural sectors,” President Jokowi said in a joint press statement with PM Muhyiddin, Friday (05/02) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

The President said that he and PM Muhyiddin are committed to strengthening good relations between the two countries through good communication at all levels.

President Jokowi also said that the bilateral meeting with PM Muhyiddin has been conducted in a good, open, and comprehensive manner. During the meeting, he said, they discussed a number of bilateral issues, including the protection of Indonesian citizens in Malaysia as well as regional and global issues.

“I would like to express my appreciation for the cooperation in protecting Indonesian citizens in Malaysia, especially during the pandemic,” the President said.

Regarding the protection of Indonesian migrant workers, the President said that he has reiterated the importance of completing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the placement and protection of Indonesian domestic workers in Malaysia.

“In addition, the two countries also need to build a one-channel system so that the problem of placement of workers can be handled well to prevent workers from becoming victims of human trafficking,” President Jokowi said.

In the bilateral meeting, the two leaders also discussed the issue of palm oil discrimination. “Indonesia will continue to fight against palm oil discrimination and the efforts will be stronger if it is conducted together. Indonesia invites Malaysia to have the same commitment regarding the issue of palm oil,”

President Jokowi said that the third issue discussed in the meeting was the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA). “I welcome the principle agreement for the formation of the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA) of both countries and the timing of the TCA will be communicated later,” the President said.

The President further said that during the meeting he also conveyed the importance of ASEAN to immediately complete the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement Framework. “In this tough situation, it is important for the ASEAN to continue to maintain its solidity,” the President concluded. (TGH/UN) (RI/MMB)