Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Joint Press Statement with Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Seri Perdana Complex, Putrajaya, Malaysia, June 8, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

My brother, my best friend, Your Honorable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It was an honor for me and the delegates to pay a visit to Malaysia, to return the visit of  Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Indonesia last January. Earlier, Dato’ Seri Anwar has delivered his statement.

First, I heartily welcome the settlement of negotiation of territorialsea border in Sulawesi Sea and the southern part of Malacca Strait after 18 years of negotiation process. Alhamdulillah, it is thanks to Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim who has worked rapidly helped by the ministers.

I also hope other border negotiations can be completed in the near future, including the land borders of Sebatik and Sinapad–Sesai make the most of the leadership of  Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Jokowi. I also warmly welcome 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.

Second, regarding the protection of Indonesian migrant workers. I really appreciate Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to strengthening protection and fair law enforcement for Indonesian workers. Therefore, Mr. Anwar and I have agreed to create a special bilateral mechanism to resolve the issues of Indonesian migrant workers.

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.

Third, regarding collaboration to fight discrimination against palm oil and other commodities. I applaud the recent Indonesia-Malaysia joint nation to Brussels. This kind of collaboration needs to be strengthened continuously. Do not let the commodities produced by Malaysia and Indonesia be discriminated against in other countries.

I conclude my remarks. I really appreciate the hospitality and Your Honorable warm welcome to us and the delegates. Thank you, Mr. Anwar. I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(RIF/MMB)