President Prabowo Welcomes Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim in Jakarta, Signaling Deepening Bilateral Ties
Main Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – President Prabowo Subianto has welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Jakarta on Friday, June 27, marking the start of an official visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two neighboring nations.
Arriving at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base around 1:00 p.m. local time, Prime Minister Anwar was greeted personally by President Prabowo in a ceremony rich with symbolism and warmth. The two leaders exchanged a firm handshake and engaged in a cordial conversation, underscoring the close personal rapport between them.
Following the arrival, the leaders walked past an honor guard of 24 personnel accompanied by ceremonial cannon fire. President Prabowo introduced members of the Indonesian delegation before the two leaders departed together in a single vehicle for the Merdeka Palace.
There, President Prabowo hosted an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a high-level bilateral meeting covering a wide range of issues, from trade and education to border disputes and geopolitical tensions.
Advancing Bilateral and Regional Agendas
During a joint press statement, President Prabowo noted that Indonesia and Malaysia share "remarkably aligned views" on most regional and global issues. The two countries agreed to accelerate cooperation in economics, trade, science, education, and cultural exchange.
A major highlight of the discussion was the longstanding maritime border dispute in the Ambalat Sea. Prabowo said both sides agreed to seek a mutually beneficial resolution. "While awaiting legal clarity, we propose to move forward with joint economic development in the area, ensuring equitable benefit sharing," he explained.
Shared Vision on Global Conflicts
On the global stage, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace in the Middle East, including support for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. “We welcome the ceasefire and hope it leads to a lasting peace process,” Prabowo said.
The two nations also reiterated their unwavering support for Palestinian statehood. “Only a two-state solution can bring a lasting end to the conflict,” Prabowo added, calling for a coordinated global effort to address protracted conflicts.
The leaders announced plans to hold an annual bilateral summit beginning in July, intended to fast-track technical negotiations on outstanding issues.
Strengthening a Longstanding Bond
Prime Minister Anwar’s visit is seen as a continuation of ongoing high-level engagement between Indonesia and Malaysia. The two leaders previously met during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May, where they emphasized regional solidarity and economic collaboration.
The latest meeting reaffirms the nations’ shared identity as culturally and historically intertwined societies, often referred to as "serumpun" or of the same root.