Anwar and Prabowo: Two friends, one region, a shared vision

New Straits Times

13 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The close friendship between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has brought a new dimension to regional diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister's senior political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, said the bond between the two leaders extends beyond official visits and bilateral cooperation, serving instead as a symbol of progressive and human-centric politics.
He said it has also inspired the younger generation, many of whom have long been sceptical of politics, often perceiving it as harsh, competitive and disconnected from humanitarian values.
"History shows that both leaders endured difficult phases in their political journeys. Anwar is remembered as a reformist figure who was dismissed, imprisoned and politically persecuted for decades before rising again to become the 10th Prime Minister.
"Prabowo, too, faced a challenging path after being discharged from the military during Indonesia's 1998 reform era, but gradually re-emerged to win the presidential election," Shamsul Iskandar, who is also PKR International Bureau chairman, said in a statement today.
Shamsul Iskandar said Anwar's journey after his release from prison in 2004 reflected his strong connection with the Indonesian people.
"During a visit to Jakarta not long after his release, Anwar was invited to deliver a series of lectures under the theme 'Anwar Sahabat Sejati' (Anwar, a True Friend).
"This illustrated the deep respect and appreciation Indonesians have for him, and showed that his values of friendship and justice resonated across borders," he said.
He noted that both Anwar and Prabowo were once perceived as political figures whose careers had ended, but today stand as leaders of two nations.
Their personal histories, he added, are marked by struggle and perseverance, making their stories especially meaningful to younger generations who yearn for honest, transparent and inclusive politics.
"Their stories proved that patience and consistency in pursuing ideals will eventually bear fruit," he said.
Shamsul Iskandar said in a region where political culture is often seen as rigid and protocol-heavy, the camaraderie between Anwar and Prabowo brings a refreshing touch of humanity.
Images of the two leaders warmly shaking hands, laughing together and engaging in casual conversation have gone viral, sending a message that leaders can be approachable, sincere and connected to the people.
More significantly, their communication styles are now aligned with the tastes of the digital generation.
"Anwar's use of formal Malay, which many Indonesians easily understand, and Prabowo's curated social media presence with a modern aesthetic nuance have made them relatable to youth audiences.
"These two figures have successfully bridged the generational divide and broken through the conservative wall in politics," he said, adding that their bond has translated into impactful bilateral policies and joint initiatives.
According to Shamsul Iskandar, under the stewardship of Anwar and Prabowo, Malaysia and Indonesia have seen stronger strategic cooperation, particularly in areas such as economy, food security and the protection of migrant workers.
"Their closeness was also evident when Prabowo made an informal visit to Kuala Lumpur simply to have lunch with Anwar - a gesture that reflects a bond built not merely on protocol but on genuine mutual trust," he said.
He added that both countries are now laying out long-term strategies through new policies.
"In Indonesia, Prabowo's free meals programme is seen as a significant step in strengthening social protection, while the establishment of Danantara - a sovereign wealth fund likened to Indonesia's version of Temasek - shows his serious economic planning for the future.
"In Malaysia, Anwar's Madani framework continues to emphasise institutional reform and inclusive social justice," he added.
In the context of bilateral ties, Shamsul Iskandar said this is not the first time Malaysia and Indonesia have witnessed strong bonds between two major leaders.
"History reminds us of the early ties between Tunku Abdul Rahman and President Soekarno, which began on a friendly and idealistic note in the early post-independence period. Unfortunately, that closeness was later strained by a confrontation that heightened regional tensions.
"Today, the Anwar-Prabowo relationship seems to reopen that historical chapter, offering renewed hope that diplomacy can be shaped by personal values, mutual trust and sincere intentions in building a more united and stable Southeast Asia," he said.
More importantly, he said, the bilateral relationship is not limited to top-level leadership, but extends to grassroots cooperation between youth movements such as Malaysia's PKR Youthand Indonesia's Garda Pemuda NasDem (GPND).
"One GPND official based in Malaysia remarked that if young people are already connected and collaborating today, the future of Malaysia-Indonesia cooperation will be even stronger, not just at the elite level but also within society.
"This statement captures the essence of people-to-people diplomacy: that regional strength must be built from the ground up, not solely from the top," he said.
As for PKR Youth, he said that this collaboration with GPND is an opportunity for them to step out of their comfort zone and represent Malaysian youth on a regional platform.
"It is a chance to show that Malaysian youth are not only engaged in domestic issues, but are also ready to play an active role in shaping a youthful, vibrant and dynamic Asean diplomacy," he said.
Shamsul Iskandar added that Anwar's current visit to Indonesia further strengthens this message.
He said the Prime Minister is expected to meet with Prabowo later today for a policy dialogue, followed by visits to youth training centres and a dialogue with Indonesian youth.
"These initiatives show that efforts to foster cooperation are not limited to formal engagements, but also include the voices and aspirations of youth in both countries," he said.
In conclusion, Shamsul Iskandar said both Prabowo and Anwar are not only national leaders but have emerged as symbols of resilience, self-confidence and shared cultural kinship, offering renewed hope, particularly to the youth.
"In a political landscape often tainted by empty rhetoric and polarisation, the presence of these two figures proves that politics can be driven by friendship, maturity and genuine concern for the people.