MALAYSIA’S POSITION ON THE SULAWESI SEA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs refers to the matter related to possible joint development between Malaysia and Indonesia in the Sulawesi Sea, which is still at the exploratory stage. Nothing has been agreed by both sides.

Malaysia remains committed in protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights and interest in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, and all discussions on this matter shall be conducted by way of diplomatic, legal and technical mechanisms within the established bilateral frameworks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the State Government of Sabah, to ensure that Malaysia’s interests are well preserved and protected.

Malaysia refers to the maritime area encompassing Blocks ND6 and ND7, which lie within Peta Baru Malaysia 1979, as the Sulawesi Sea, and not as “Ambalat”, which is a term used by Indonesia. The Judgement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2002 on the sovereignty of Sipadan and Ligitan islands further strengthens the position of our maritime area in the Sulawesi Sea.

This matter was clarified by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan in Dewan Rakyat on 5 August 2025, in response to questions raised by Members of Parliament. The Foreign Minister underscored that any terminology must be correctly used and reflect Malaysia’s sovereign position and legal rights over the area concerned.

PUTRAJAYA

5 August 2025

Press Releases

MALAYSIA’S POSITION ON THE SULAWESI SEA

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