Latest news with #PrabowoSubianto
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar thanks Prabowo for Indonesia's support in Asean, calls for unity amid rising regional tensions
JAKARTA, July 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto for Indonesia's strong support for Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Asean unity and relevance amid rising geopolitical tensions. The message was conveyed during the 13th Annual Consultation between the two leaders held in Jakarta on Tuesday, where both reaffirmed Asean's role as a key platform for regional cooperation and stressing the importance of Asean Centrality and resilience amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. Anwar said he looks forward to welcoming Prabowo at the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits in October. 'They underscored the need for Asean to stay relevant, united, and proactive in addressing regional and global challenges, while advancing integration to secure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,' stated the joint statement which issued by Malaysia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. On the situation in Myanmar, the leaders expressed deep concern over the continued violence and humanitarian crisis and reaffirmed their commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as Asean's main framework in resolving the political impasse and called for an immediate, nationwide, and permanent ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid and inclusive dialogue. Prabowo and Anwar also reiterated their readiness to work closely with Asean and external partners in supporting the full implementation of the 5PC toward a peaceful and lasting solution for the people of Myanmar. Meanwhile, Anwar also briefed Prabowo on the outcome of a Special Meeting convened by Malaysia on July 28 to address tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, where both parties agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Prabowo commended Malaysia's efforts and expressed full support for its role in promoting regional stability, the statement stated. On Palestine, both leaders stressed the urgency of global collective action to reach a just and lasting solution, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Prabowo and Anwar also condemned the use of starvation as a weapon and urged the international community to ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. 'They strongly rejected attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty on the Occupied Palestinian Territory or forcibly displace Palestinians, while welcoming the growing recognition of the State of Palestine and urging all countries yet to do so to recognise it,' the statement read. Both sides agreed to convene the 17th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) as a follow-up to this year's consultation and confirmed that the 14th Annual Consultation will be held in Malaysia in 2026. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia-Indonesia pact sets stage for energy, labour protections, strategic halal and palm oil leadership
JAKARTA, July 31 — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and cross-border connectivity, while supporting efforts to expand opportunities in strategic sectors. In a joint statement following the 13th Annual Consultation in Jakarta on Tuesday, both leaders welcomed the convening of the First Malaysia-Indonesia Investment Cooperation Working Group on September 2, 2024 in Indonesia, aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties. 'Both leaders noted new investment prospects in sectors such as infrastructure, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, and pledged greater collaboration on food security and sustainability initiatives, including carbon trading,' stated the statement released by Malaysia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday night. Prabowo welcomed continued Malaysian investment in Indonesia's new Nusantara capital city (IKN), particularly in renewable energy and hydrogen development. Both sides agreed to explore cross-border low-carbon energy trade between Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, including a direct interconnection to enhance regional integration. The leaders also urged the swift convening of the Fourth Meeting of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee this year and called for expedited efforts to normalise trade at the Tebedu-Entikong border. On the halal industry, Indonesia and Malaysia are committed to facilitating market access and regulatory alignment and aiming to strengthen Asean's global halal competitiveness. Acknowledging long-standing discussions since 2018, the leaders expressed hope that the MoU on counter-terrorism can be finalised and agreed to explore the technical aspects of transferring sentenced persons, pending relevant legal developments in Indonesia. The leaders also reiterated commitments to protect Indonesian migrant workers and expand Indonesia's Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in Malaysia in line with international commitments to children's rights. As co-founders of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Malaysia and Indonesia reaffirmed cooperation on sustainable palm oil as well as counter negative global campaigns targeting the commodity, the statement said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar and Prabowo agree to accelerate land and maritime boundary talks to resolve issues and boost cross-border trade
JAKARTA, July 31 — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding bilateral boundary issues and welcomed the progress made on land and maritime delimitation. They also pledged continued cooperation to finalise the remaining unresolved matters. In a joint statement following the 13th Annual Consultation in Jakarta on Tuesday, both leaders tasked relevant agencies to maintain the momentum in addressing unresolved areas, including Pulau Sebatik and the Sulawesi Sea, and underscored the importance of enhancing border connectivity and cross-border trade. '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,' stated the joint statement. Prabowo and Anwar tasked the Joint Indonesia-Malaysia Boundary Committee to continue negotiations of the Outstanding Boundary Problem (OBP) in the Western Sector (West Kalimantan-Sarawak). The statement released by Malaysia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday stated the two 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.' They were also satisfied with the positive progress made on the issue of land demarcation, particularly the signing of the memorandum of understandings (MoUs) on the Demarcation and Survey of the International Boundary for OBP during the 45th Meeting of the Joint Indonesia-Malaysia Boundary Committee in Jakarta from February 17 to 18. 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. Prabowo and Anwar also welcomed the Malaysian Government's plan to open the Serikin Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) in border areas, particularly between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. as a counterpart of the Jagoi Babang Cross-Border Post on the Indonesian side is already operational. '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 Indonesia and Malaysia,' the leaders said. They also reaffirmed their commitment in ensuring compliance by relevant law enforcement agencies with the MoU on Common Guidelines concerning the Treatment of Fishermen by maritime law enforcement agencies agreed in 2012. '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 leaders said and expressed their hope that the 11th Review Meeting could be convened in 2025 to be hosted by Indonesia. — Bernama
BusinessToday
4 hours ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
Malaysia, Indonesia Make Significant Strides On Border Issues And Strengthen Trade
Malaysia and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres at the 13th Annual Consultation held between Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Prabowo Subianto. The two leaders touched on various issues while emphasising the importance of continued cooperation rooted in deep historical and cultural ties. Among them, both leaders welcomed significant strides in maritime boundary delimitation talks and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding issues through constructive engagement. On land boundaries, the signing of MoUs during the 45th Indonesia-Malaysia Boundary Committee in February 2025 was lauded as a breakthrough, particularly in fully agreeing on the Eastern Sector. The leaders urged continued negotiations on unresolved areas, including the Pulau Sebatik intertidal zone and Western Sector. Acknowledging Malaysia's initiative to open the Serikin ICQS to complement Indonesia's Jagoi Babang post, both leaders emphasised the positive impact of improved border infrastructure on trade—especially in agricultural commodities—and community welfare. They also agreed to expedite the normalisation of trade at the Tebedu-Entikong border, noting its high demand among local businesses. On investment, both sides committed to enhancing cooperation in infrastructure, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy, including cross-border low-carbon energy between Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatera. Indonesia welcomed continued Malaysian investments in its new capital (IKN), especially in energy and hydrogen technologies. The governments also pledged to strengthen halal market access and streamline trade procedures, positioning the sector for regional leadership. They also endorsed collaboration in the blue economy, building on Indonesia's marine sustainability programmes. The leaders underscored the importance of protecting Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, highlighting progress under the 2022 MoU and encouraging further reviews of existing frameworks. Indonesia thanked Malaysia for supporting the establishment of Community Learning Centres (CLCs) for Indonesian children, seeking further expansion outside plantations. Recent agreements in Internet governance and ICT were acknowledged as steps toward a robust digital partnership. The two leaders also expressed hope for finalising the MoU on counter-terrorism, first initiated in 2018, to address emerging security threats. ASEAN Unity and Myanmar Both leaders reaffirmed support for ASEAN Centrality amid global uncertainties and stressed the urgency of a permanent ceasefire in Myanmar. They committed to promoting the Five-Point Consensus and inclusive national dialogue, with Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair receiving Indonesia's full backing. President Prabowo lauded Malaysia's mediation in the Cambodia-Thailand conflict, following the recent Special Meeting hosted in Kuala Lumpur. Both countries called for peaceful coexistence and stronger ASEAN solidarity. Moving forward, the leaders tasked officials to convene the 17th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation and agreed to hold the 14th Annual Consultation in Malaysia in 2026. Related
South China Morning Post
17 hours ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Indonesian military's foray into medicine-making triggers ‘authoritarian past' fears
Indonesia 's military will soon begin producing low-cost medicines to boost rural healthcare access, prompting critics to warn that such a move could lead to its heavy involvement in local governance, just like it did during the country's authoritarian past. Under an agreement signed on July 22 by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), army, navy and air force laboratories that previously produced medicine for service personnel will begin making drugs for distribution to citizens in rural and other areas across Indonesia. Production would begin in October, with the medicines to be sold in villages at half their retail prices, Sjafrie said. 'We are thinking of ways to lower the price even more so we could provide free medicines,' he told reporters. Taruna Ikrar, head of BPOM, said the military's participation could help stem the distribution of illegal or counterfeit drugs, particularly in underserved areas. However, rights groups argue the move is legally questionable, as Indonesia's military law prohibits active-duty soldiers from holding civilian business roles. Critics also see the deal as part of a wider effort to involve the armed forces again in local governance under President Prabowo Subianto , who was formerly a general and the country's defence minister. Azifah Astrina, a lecturer in the politics and government department at Universitas Gadjah Mada, said Indonesians 'have every reason to be deeply concerned' as the agreement was 'not an isolated policy adjustment'.
