Speeches & Statements

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE 13TH ANNUAL CONSULTATION
BETWEEN
PRESIDENT PRABOWO SUBIANTO
AND
PRIME MINISTER DATO’ SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM
JAKARTA, 29 JULY 2025

1.  The 13th Annual Consultation between the President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Prabowo Subianto and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 29 July 2025. The previous Annual Consultation between Indonesia and Malaysia was convened on 22 November 2017 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

2.  Both Leaders welcomed the continued strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of political cooperation, economic ties, socio-cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity. The two Leaders acknowledged the deep-rooted historical ties between the Republic of Indonesia and Malaysia as a solid foundation for forging a stronger and strategic partnership.

3.  Both Leaders also welcomed the continued progress in the negotiations of the maritime boundary delimitation under the mechanism of the Technical Meeting on Maritime Boundaries Delimitation between the Republic of Indonesia and Malaysia. Both Leaders acknowledged and commended the achievement of significant milestones in this process.

4. Both Leaders reiterated the importance of maintaining constructive engagement and close coordination between the relevant agencies of both countries to ensure steady progress in the maritime boundary delimitation process. They underlined the need for continued goodwill and shared understanding to address any outstanding matters, moving towards mutually beneficial solutions for both countries.

5.  Both Leaders tasked both sides to take concerted steps to sustain the positive momentum, and to find a mutually acceptable solution and to work towards finding common ground as a breakthrough in resolving the maritime boundary delimitation between the two countries.

6.  Both Leaders are satisfied with the positive progress made on the issue of land demarcation, particularly the signing of the MoUs on the Demarcation and Survey of the International Boundary for Outstanding Boundary Problem (OBP) during the 45th Meeting of the Joint Indonesia-Malaysia Boundary Committee (JIM-45) in Jakarta, Indonesia from 17 to 18 February 2025. After more than 45 years of negotiations and with the signing of these MoUs, the land border OBP in the Eastern Sector (North Kalimantan-Sabah) has been fully agreed upon by both countries. In this regard, Malaysia is of the position that the remaining land boundary in the Eastern Sector namely the intertidal area at the east coast of Pulau Sebatik needs to be resolved. Moving forward, both Leaders also tasked the Joint Indonesia-Malaysia Boundary Committee to continue negotiations of the OBP in the Western Sector (West Kalimantan-Sarawak).

7.  Both Leaders reaffirmed their determination to conclude the boundary issue at the intertidal area and the gap from the low water line to Point M in the Sulawesi Sea.

8. Both Leaders appreciated the Malaysian Government's ongoing commitment to strengthening connectivity in border areas, particularly between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. Both welcomed the Malaysian Government's plan to open the Serikin Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) as a counterpart of the Jagoi Babang Cross-Border Post on the Indonesian side is already operational.

9.  Both Leaders believed that the opening of the Serikin ICQS will create greater access for cross-border trade, particularly for strategic agricultural commodities such as rice and grain corn. This is a concrete step that will positively impact the welfare of communities on both sides of the border and encourage the strengthening of the overall economic relationship between the Republic of Indonesia and Malaysia.

10.  Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment in ensuring compliance by relevant law enforcement agencies with the Memorandum of Understanding on Common Guidelines concerning the Treatment of Fishermen by maritime law enforcement agencies agreed in 2012. Both Leaders acknowledged with appreciation that the Review Meeting on the Implementation of the 2012 MoU on Common Guidelines had been convened 10 times since then.

11. Both sides emphasised their commitment towards the effective implementation of the MoU. Towards this end, both sides called for closer cooperation and continuous open channels of communication by the authorities on both sides to safeguard the safety and protect the livelihood of the fishermen from both countries. The two Leaders expressed their hope that the 11th Review Meeting could be convened in 2025 to be hosted by the Republic of Indonesia.

12.  Both Leaders encouraged relevant officials to further explore innovative ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of trade, investment, and tourism. The two Leaders reflected on the positive development in bilateral trade and investment relations and pledged to nurture the economic ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia towards the creation of opportunities for the people in both countries, reflecting a longstanding and substantial trade relationship.

13.  Both Leaders acknowledged the convening of the First Malaysia-Indonesia-Investment Cooperation Working Group in Indonesia on 2 September 2024. The Working Group serves as a platform to discuss emerging investment perspectives aimed at enhancing bilateral investment flows between the two countries. The Leaders took note of the new investment opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, as well as collaboration on food security and sustainability initiatives, including carbon trading.

14.  Both Leaders expressed their full support and encouragement for the realisation of ongoing and future investment initiatives between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia. They reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating the necessary coordination to ensure smooth implementation, while continuing to foster a conducive, transparent, and mutually beneficial investment climate. The Leaders underscored their expectation that such efforts would send a strong positive signal to the broader investment community, encouraging continued and expanded investment partnerships between the two countries.

15.  Both Leaders noted the presence of a large investment mission visit from Sarawak to the Indonesia New Capital City (IKN) in November 2024. In this regard, Indonesia welcomed Malaysian investment in the IKN and other regions in Indonesia, in particular in the sector of energy with a focus on renewable energy and hydrogen ecosystem developments.

16.  Both Leaders also agreed on further exploring the potential cross-border trade of low carbon energy between Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatera, Indonesia, including the possible development of a direct interconnection from Sumatera, Indonesia to Peninsular Malaysia to enhance the exchange and integration of low carbon energy.

17.  Both Leaders took note of the importance to resolve bilateral trade and investment issues and to further deepen economic relations between the two countries. In this regard, officials are urged to expedite their respective internal processes towards realising the normalisation of trade at the Tebedu-Entikong border for it to commence as soon as possible. There is a high demand from businesses for normal trade at the Tebedu-Entikong border area, and this would be beneficial especially for the community in respective areas. As such, both Leaders encouraged the convening of the Fourth Meeting of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee as soon as possible this year.

18.  Both Leaders reaffirmed the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the halal sector, recognising its growing significance in the regional and global economy. In this regard, both Leaders expressed their commitment to improving and streamlining the facilitation on halal market access between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia. They agreed to work towards facilitating more efficient and transparent halal trade and business processes between both countries, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the halal industry across ASEAN and to elevate its competitiveness on the global stage.

19.  Both Leaders took note that the Republic of Indonesia has implemented the Blue Economy, as an approach to sustainable marine and fisheries resource management through various programs. Both Leaders welcomed this approach and encouraged officials from both sides to explore bilateral cooperation in this sector, taking into account on-going regional initiatives under the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework.

20.  Both Leaders welcomed the conclusion of the MoU on Health Cooperation during this Annual Consultation. It is hoped that this will open up opportunities for future health cooperation, including the capacity building of health workers.

21.  Both Leaders appreciated the cooperation in the fields of Information and Communications Technology and Internet Governance between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Asosiasi Penyelenggara Jasa Internet Indonesia. They welcomed the strengthening of bilateral relations in the digital domain, particularly in areas such as Internet Protocol address management and the development of sustainable technologies. The Leaders acknowledged that the MoU was signed on 16 July 2025 and this collaboration lays a strong foundation for a more robust and forward-looking digital partnership.

22.  Both Leaders acknowledged the efforts of both countries to initiate cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism. It is hoped that the MoU on counter-terrorism can be finalised considering that this initiative has been discussed since 2018. It is hoped that the exchange of visits and discussions so far are sufficient as a basis for designing programs such as information exchange, training programs, and education in an effort to address the threat posed by terrorism in all its forms.

23.  Both Leaders acknowledged the Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia had a discussion on the international transfer of sentenced persons in February 2025 in Jakarta. The Leaders hope that both countries can further explore and study the technical aspects of transferring sentenced persons between both countries to understand its complexities pending the promulgation of Indonesia’s national law regarding the matter.

24.  Both Leaders welcomed the shared desire to renew the MoU between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of Malaysia on Disaster Cooperation and Assistance which was signed on 11 December 1997. They expressed hope that constructive engagement towards the MoU’s renewal can be pursued, with the updated agreement reflecting new commitments and its implementation aligned with the availability of resources.

25.  Both Leaders noted both countries’ efforts to finalize the MoU on cooperation in the field of higher education and a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established upon the signing of the MoU to facilitate the cooperative activities under the MoU.

26.  Both Leaders agreed to enhance regional cooperation in training talents, incubating creative start-ups and connecting resources to support innovative start-ups through related ASEAN Bodies.

27.  Both Leaders also encouraged designated airlines from Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia to further enhance air connectivity between both countries. Both Leaders welcomed efforts to enhance regional connectivity, including the new roll-on/roll-off ferry link. These initiatives are expected to foster closer economic integration and stimulate growth opportunities across surrounding regions.

28.  Both Leaders look forward to the implementation of the Republic of Indonesia-Malaysia Border Crossing Agreement and Border Trade Agreement signed in 2023 to improve the welfare of people living in border areas. The two Leaders expressed the importance of expediting internal processes towards the simultaneous entry into force of the Agreements.

29.  As the major global palm oil producers and founders of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), close cooperation between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia through CPOPC is important to address the various challenges in the palm oil industry. Both countries agreed to continue to collaborate on promoting sustainable palm oil and counter negative campaigns against palm oil.

30.  The two Leaders acknowledged the commitment of both parties to improve the protection of basic rights, welfare, and livelihood of all Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. The Leaders took note of the four Working Group meetings that have been held since the signing of the MoU on the Employment and Protection of Indonesian Domestic Migrant Workers in Malaysia since 1 April 2022, and encouraged both sides to continue to iron out any impediments in facilitating the employment of Indonesian domestic migrant workers. Both sides also agreed to review the MoU on Recruitment of Indonesian Workers between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia 2004, including by providing a mechanism to address all issues pertaining to all Indonesian migrant workers in a comprehensive manner.

31.  President Prabowo Subianto appreciated the support of the Malaysian Government on the establishment of the Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in Malaysia as the fulfilment of Malaysia’s international commitment on the rights of the child. In this regard, Indonesia continued to seek the Malaysian Government’s approval for the establishment of CLCs outside plantation estates.

32.  The two Leaders were pleased with the progress made under the Framework of Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement between the Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Republic of the Philippines on Immediate Measures to Address Security Issues in the Maritime Areas of Common Concerns (TCA). Both Leaders took note that twenty-seven (27) meetings of the INDOMALPHI Joint Working Group Meeting on the TCA (JWGTCA) have been convened and the 28th JWGTCA Meeting will be held in Malaysia tentatively in September 2025.

33.  Both Leaders reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN as a platform for regional cooperation and underscored that ASEAN Centrality and resilience remain critical amidst an increasingly uncertain international environment. They emphasised the need for ASEAN to remain relevant, united, and proactive in addressing regional and global challenges, while advancing its integration efforts to strengthen the region’s peace, stability, and prosperity. Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto for Indonesia’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and looks forward to welcoming President Prabowo at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in October 2025.

34.  The two Leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and reaffirmed the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as ASEAN’s main reference to address the political crisis in the country. Both Leaders supported an immediate, nationwide and permanent ceasefire as a necessary step towards creating a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue. Both Leaders further reaffirmed their commitment to work closely within ASEAN and with other external partners to encourage progress in the implementation of the 5PC, with the end goal of finding a peaceful and durable solution in the interest of the people of Myanmar.

35.  Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar conveyed the outcome of the Special Meeting hosted by Malaysia to address the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand on 28 July 2025, where both countries agreed on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. President Prabowo praised Malaysia’s efforts as ASEAN Chair and expressed his full support of the latter’s role in promoting peaceful co-existence and ensuring regional stability.

36.  Both Leaders shared the view that global collective action is crucial in pursuing a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. They reaffirmed the need for continued joint advocacy in calling for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. The two countries underlined that using starvation as weapon is unacceptable and urged the international community to take a collective action to ensure an immediate and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The two countries also voiced their firm objection over any attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and forcibly remove Palestinian population from their homeland.

37.  Both Leaders welcomed the increased global support to recognize the State of Palestine. This is a positive step towards realizing a sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital under the Two-State Solution. Both Leaders also urged all countries who have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so.

38.  Both Leaders tasked the relevant ministry to convene the 17th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) as a follow-up to the implementation of the outcomes of the 13th Annual Consultation.

39.  Both Leaders agreed that the 14th Annual Consultation will be held in Malaysia in 2026, on a mutually agreed date to be communicated through diplomatic channels.