In a significant display of regional diplomacy, President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Jakarta on Tuesday, 29 July, marking the first official visit of its kind in seven years. The meeting, part of Indonesia and Malaysia’s Annual Consultation, was a culmination of decades-long bilateral ties between the two Southeast Asian nations.
The visit kicked off with an official ceremony at the Halim Perdanakusuma Indonesian Air Force Base on 28 July, where Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono greeted the Malaysian Prime Minister in a warm atmosphere. The meeting was characterized by a strong sense of camaraderie and cooperation between the two leaders.
During their tête-à-tête at the Merdeka Palace, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Anwar’s leadership in ASEAN, particularly Malaysia’s active role in promoting conflict de-escalation in the region. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s full support for Malaysia’s efforts to uphold regional stability.
Prime Minister Anwar underscored the importance of close cooperation among Southeast Asian countries in maintaining peace and collective security. He welcomed Indonesia’s support for regional initiatives and expressed hope for further strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The meeting yielded several key outcomes, including a joint agreement to enhance cooperation in education, particularly for Indonesian migrant children in Malaysia. President Prabowo and Prime Minister Anwar agreed to establish more Community Learning Centers across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak to ensure proper access to education for these students.
Discussions also addressed the protection of fishermen, border negotiations, and economic cooperation. The shared culture, language, and values between Indonesia and Malaysia were highlighted as a strong foundation for deeper cooperation aimed at improving the welfare of both peoples.
The Annual Consultation is a vital platform for maintaining strategic communication between leaders and reaffirming bilateral cooperation. Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono noted that the meeting took place in a warm and familial atmosphere, reflecting the emotional closeness between the two nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote the implementation of the outcomes of this meeting, including strengthening the consultation mechanism, enhancing protection for Indonesian nationals, and aligning positions on regional and global challenges. This visit reaffirms Indonesia’s commitment to strategic partnership with Malaysia, underscoring their joint efforts in promoting stability, solidarity, and progress within the ASEAN region.
Key Takeaways from the Historic Visit
Enhanced cooperation in education for Indonesian migrant children in Malaysia
Establishment of Community Learning Centers across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak
Strengthened protection for fishermen and improved border negotiations
Emphasis on shared culture, language, and values as a foundation for deeper cooperation
This historic visit marks an important milestone in Indonesia-Malaysia relations, highlighting the strong bond between the two nations. As regional diplomacy continues to evolve, these efforts will be crucial in fostering stability and progress within the ASEAN region.