Jokowi Hopes That After 10 Years Of Leading There Will Be No More Discussions On The Indonesia-Malaysia Border

President Jokowi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Bogor Palace, West Java, Monday 9 January 2023. (BPMI Setpres)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) hopes that negotiations related to the Indonesia-Malaysia border can be completed during his leadership in Indonesia and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia.

This was conveyed by the President in a press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after his second meeting in Malaysia, Thursday, June 8.

"I also hope that other border negotiations, including on land, Sebatik, then Sinapad, can also be resolved soon, while the Prime Minister is still Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and in Indonesia the President is still Jokowi," said Jokowi, quoted from the Youtube channel of Malaysian TV3 Bulletin television station, Thursday, June 8.

Jokowi himself welcomed a number of border negotiations that had been reached, including negotiations on territorial sea boundaries in the Sulawesi Sea and in the southern part of the Malacca Strait, which he said could be achieved after negotiations had been running for 18 years.

"After 18 years of negotiation process, 18 years old, it can be completed, thank God, thanks to Seri Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who worked quickly assisted by ministers," he said.

The President also welcomed the completion of a memorandum of understanding for border crossing agreement, border trade agreement, halal certification and investment promotion cooperation.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he considered President Jokowi and Indonesia as true friends.

According to Anwar, the negotiations he held with Jokowi were as two families or friends.

"This has been proven in the history of relations between the two countries, the increase in cooperation and understanding in this short period is extraordinary," said Anwar.

He said some of the cooperation that had been carried out included the Malaysian police and the Indonesian police as well as the cooperation of the Indonesian Defense Minister-Malaysia, which has reached a very proud stage.