Indonesia-Malaysia Agree on Maritime Boundaries After 18 Years of Negotiations

President Joko Widodo hopes that the completion of the Indonesia-Malaysia sea boundary negotiations will soon be followed by an agreement on the land borders of the two countries and other bilateral issues.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.

BIRO PERS SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN/LAILY RACHEV

President Joko Widodo and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim discussed several collaborations between Indonesia and Malaysia in various fields during a meeting held at the Malaysian Prime Minister's official residence, in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Thursday (8/6/2023).

KUALA LUMPUR, THURSDAY - After 18 years of negotiations, Indonesia and Malaysia reached an agreement on maritime boundaries in the Malacca Strait and the Sulawesi Sea. This agreement is part of a number of agreements signed by the two countries during President Joko Widodo's visit to Malaysia, Thursday (8/6/2023).

The President's visit to the neighboring country was in response to the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim, January 2023, to Indonesia, the first country he visited after being appointed as PM.

"I welcome the successful negotiation of the territorial sea boundary in the Sulawesi Sea and the southern part of the Malacca Strait after 18 years of negotiation. After 18 years, it has finally been resolved. Alhamdulillah, this is thanks to Seri Anwar Ibrahim's prompt work with the help of ministers," stated President Jokowi in a joint statement with PM Anwar at the latter's official residence in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya, Malaysia."

Also read: President Jokowi Welcomes Completion of Negotiations on the Indonesia-Malaysia Sea Boundary

A Memorandum of Understanding regarding the border of the southern part of the Malacca Strait and the Sulawesi Sea was signed by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Diraja Zambry Abdul Kadir. In addition, agreements were also signed regarding cross-border agreements, border trade agreements, halal certification, and collaborative investment promotions.

A cross-border agreement was signed by Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian and Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Dato' Seri Saifuddin Nasution. Meanwhile, a cross-border trade agreement was signed by Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan and Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz.

Meanwhile, the memorandum of understanding for halal certification was signed by the Head of the Indonesian Ministry of Religion's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency, Muhammad Aqil Irham, and the Chair of the Steering Committee for the Advancement of Islamic Malaysia, Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff. The Memorandum of Understanding on Investment Promotion Cooperation was carried out by the Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia with the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia Tengku Zafrul Aziz.

Hubungan dekat

Anwar said the agreements were the result of a close family-like relationship between himself and Jokowi. "The president (Jokowi) and I are very proud, thanks to this (close relationship) we can resolve issues that have been negotiated for years," said Anwar, quoted by the Bernama news agency.

During the meeting, Jokowi and Anwar expressed the close relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia. Jokowi (61) referred to Anwar (75) as "brother" and "good friend". "My brother, my good friend, His Excellency Dato' Seri Ibrahim. It is an honor for me and the delegation to visit Malaysia as a return visit to Prime Minister Ibrahim's visit to Indonesia last January," said Jokowi.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

President Joko Widodo, together with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, walked together in a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Monday (09/01/2023). This marks Anwar Ibrahim's first visit as Prime Minister of Malaysia following his appointment on November 24th last year.

According to Anwar, President Jokowi's visit to Malaysia is not a usual visit because the President and representatives from Indonesia are already considered true friends. "And, our negotiations, these are negotiations between family and friends," he said.

The President hopes that negotiations on land borders can also be resolved soon. The expected memorandum of understanding that is hoped to be completed includes the problem of the Sebatik segment and the Sinapat-Sesai segment in Kalimantan's border.

Both parties are determined to resolve the land border issue by June 2024 at the latest. "As long as the prime minister is still Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. And, in Indonesia, the president is still Jokowi," said Jokowi.

Also read: Officially Becomes PM After 25 Years, Anwar Affirms Indonesia is a True Friend

On that occasion, Jokowi and Anwar also discussed the issue of protecting Indonesian migrant workers. The President appreciates PM Anwar's commitment to strengthening the protection of Indonesian workers and fair law enforcement for Indonesian workers. During Anwar's visit to Indonesia last January, the issue became one of the main topics of discussion.

"I and Mr. Anwar have agreed to establish a special bilateral mechanism to solve the problems of Indonesian migrant workers," said Jokowi.

The President also again pushed for the establishment of a community learning center on the Peninsula to fulfill the educational rights of the children of Indonesian migrant workers. Indonesian citizens who are at the Immigration Depot are also expected to be sent home soon. The President also requested that the implementation of a one-channel system for the recruitment and placement of Indonesian workers must be optimized.

Diskriminasi sawit

To PM Anwar, President Jokowi also encourages collaboration to combat discrimination against palm oil and other commodities to be strengthened. The European Union (EU) began implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) starting from mid-May.

Also read: European Union Bans Indonesian Products if They Don't Pass Deforestation Due Diligence

With this regulation, the EU prohibits the import of various commodities related to deforestation, including palm oil and its derivatives. Indonesia and Malaysia are the producers of 85 percent of the world's palm oil. Last week, both countries sent a joint team to Brussels to find a solution with the EU.

"Collaborations like this must continue to be strengthened, so that the commodities produced by Malaysia and Indonesia are not discriminated against in other countries. (President Jokowi)"

According to the President, he highly appreciates the joint mission carried out by Indonesia-Malaysia to Brussels. "Collaboration like this must continue to be strengthened, do not let commodities produced by Malaysia, by Indonesia, be discriminated against in other countries," said Jokowi. "We will speak with one voice to defend the palm oil industry," added Anwar.

AFP/MOHD RASFAN

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke with President Joko Widodo upon arrival at Samudra Patin Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday (8/6/2023).

In addition to the written memorandum of understanding, the two leaders also discussed cooperation that is not recorded in the memorandum, such as cooperation between the police of Indonesia and Malaysia as well as cooperation in the field of defense. "The two fields of cooperation have reached an impressive level and will provide benefits not only to the government and the kingdom but also to the people of Malaysia," said Anwar.

Also read: Seudara Serumpun Malaysia

He also expressed support for the development of the Nusantara Capital, which includes development in the Malaysia-Indonesia border area in Kalimantan. Malaysia has also allocated 1 billion ringgit for the development of infrastructure and facilities on the Sarawak-Kalimantan border.

Furthermore, Anwar continued, both countries will also increase cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and Islamic preaching.

In addition to meeting with Anwar, President Jokowi also visited Malaysia's King, Yang Dipertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah, at the National Palace. This meeting became the last agenda of President Jokowi's working visit to Malaysia.

Read also: President Jokowi Closes Working Visit in Malaysia by Meeting the King

The President also visited the Chow Kit Market—nicknamed “Little Jakarta”—with Anwar. In that place, as Named reported, the President was greeted like a celebrity. "Mr Jokowi! Mr Jokowi!” shouted the residents, most of whom were Indonesian citizens. Some visitors asked the President to take selfies with their cell phones.

AFP/MOHD RASFAN

President Joko Widodo fulfilled the request of the citizens to take a selfie during his visit to Chow Kit Market with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday (6/8/2023).

Jokowi and Anwar responded to the greetings of the public with waves and smiles. During their almost 45-minute visit to the market, Jokowi had a dialogue with the vendors; he inquired about the prices of various vegetables and even the durian fruit. He also took selfies with the vendors.

From the market, Anwar invited Jokowi to stop by a shop located 200 meters from the end of the market. They, along with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, and also a minister from Malaysia, enjoyed coffee together. Anwar also joked, "Mr. Jokowi always goes to the field, not getting tired." (AP)