Presidential Special Envoy Prepares 8th Negotiations for Indonesia-Malaysia Maritime Border

The Presidential Special Envoy Office for Maritime Border Stipulation of the Republic of Indonesia-Malaysia, Eddy Pratomo, while inspecting Indonesian border post on Sebatik Island, Nunukan District, North Kalimantan. (Photo by: Cabinet Secretariat Documentation)

The Presidential Special Envoy Office for Indonesia-Malaysia Maritime Border Determination is currently preparing to negotiate eight maritime borders between the two countries, especially those along the Sulawesi Strait.

“Negotiations with the Malaysian Special Envoy will be done in May, after the election in Malaysia, perhaps,” said Presidential Special Envoy for Indonesia-Malaysia Maritime Border Determination Eddy Pratomo in Jakarta, Tuesday (3/4).

While waiting for the implementation of the eighth negotiations, Eddy said that the office is now formulating the results of both countries technical teams discussion held in Bandung early March, followed by a discussion with the experts team held mid-March in Jakarta.

Also present during the discussion were former Minister of Foreign Affairs Hasan Wirayuda, international maritime law expert Prof. Etty Agoes and Prof. Hasjim Jalal, former Deputy of Maritime Sovereignty Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Prof. Dr. Havas Ogroeseno, and international law expert Prof. Hikmahanto Juwana.

In addition, according to Eddy, the office also offers the implementation of informal meetings to further prepare the formal negotiations that special envoy of both countries will do.

“The informal meeting can be held in Indonesia as well as in Malaysia,” Eddy explained, adding that the office is now waiting for the response from the Malaysian special envoy regarding the exact time of the informal meeting.

Furthermore, Eddy said that after the eighth negotiations, the office will open a new segment of maritime border negotiations with Malaysia.

“The eighth negotiation is expected to solve the territorial border issues in the Sulawesi Sea segment. Subsequently, we will open a new round of negotiation by discussing the maritime boundary area around the Natuna Sea,” Eddy added.

Eddy further said that in the near future, the office will also send an inter-ministry technical team to directly review Indonesia-Malaysia maritime border in Tanjung Datu, Sambas District, West Kalimantan.

This review is intended to see firsthand the situation and configuration of the coast around Natuna, he said.

“We will also consider inputs from the West Kalimantan Provincial Government, Sambas Regional Government, Tanjung Pura University, and other relevant parties related to the interests of the maritime negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia in the area of the West Kalimantan Sea,” Eddy concluded. (ES) (GWH/EP/Naster)