3-7-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi’s recent courtesy call on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur has set the stage for enhanced cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations. The high-level meeting, which took place on Wednesday, covered a range of crucial bilateral issues and regional concerns.
Minister Marsudi conveyed warm greetings from Indonesian President Joko Widodo to Prime Minister Anwar, underscoring the cordial relations between the two neighbouring countries. A key focus of the visit was to lay the groundwork for the upcoming annual meeting between the two leaders, scheduled to be hosted by Indonesia in 2024.
One of the primary topics of discussion was the progress in land border negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia. Marsudi reported significant advancements, highlighting the successful completion of negotiations on two land segments: Sebatik Island and Sinapad-Sesai. Both nations are poised to formalise these agreements through a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Particular emphasis was placed on the AA-2 West Pillar segment on Sebatik Island, where technical processes have reached their final stages. The minister expressed optimism about finalising land border negotiations prior to the leaders’ meeting later this year, demonstrating a commitment to resolving long-standing territorial issues.
Maritime boundary negotiations were also addressed, with Marsudi calling for a stronger commitment from both sides to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes. This underscores the complexity and importance of maritime demarcation in the region.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip featured prominently in the discussions. Both Indonesia and Malaysia reaffirmed their shared stance in advocating for justice and humanitarian support for the Palestinian people. Prime Minister Anwar had previously expressed Malaysia’s willingness to collaborate with Indonesia on this issue, including the potential deployment of a joint peacekeeping force to Gaza, subject to a United Nations mandate.
This willingness for cooperation extends beyond diplomatic channels, as evidenced by Prime Minister Anwar’s recent communication with Indonesian Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto regarding the possibility of joint peacekeeping efforts.
