Ministry Of Home Affairs: Problems At The Border Can Be Solved Through Cooperation

Illustration. PMI from Malaysia entered Indonesia's border at PLBN Entikong, West Kalimantan, Thursday, November 25, 2021. (ANTARA-Agus Setiawan)

JAKARTA - Secretary General (Secretary General) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) Suhajar Diantoro said the border issue between Indonesia and Malaysia could be resolved properly through cooperation.

This was conveyed by Suhajar when giving a speech at The 44th Joint Indonesia-Malaysia Boundary Committee On The Demarcation And Survey Of The International Boundary Between Indonesia (North Kalimantan and West Kalimantan) and Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) in Bogor, West Java, Tuesday, November 21.

"It is hoped that we can all continue to maintain the fire of enthusiasm in guarding the border in the field of demarcation surveys in any circumstances as it is today," he said, confiscated by Antara.

As Chair of the National Survey and Affirmation Committee for the Indonesian-Malaysia International Limit, he expressed his gratitude to all parties, both from the Government of Indonesia and the Malaysian Government for holding the 44th Trial of the National Committee for Survey and Confirmation of International Limits between the Republic of Indonesia Malaysia in 2023 in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.

Meanwhile, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the event could be held directly.

"We realize that with the postponement of the implementation of the 44th Indonesian-Malaysia Joint Session due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many demarcation survey activities and problems that have not been discussed and implemented by the two countries, one of which is the completion of the Eastern Sector's Outstanding Boundary Problems (OBP) and Investigation Survey, Refixation and Maintenance (IRM)," he said.

He continued that this activity is very important to continue to be carried out continuously and must continue to improve its quality. This is in order to maintain the sovereignty of the respective regions of the country and to realize the welfare of the people of the two countries in the border area.

Suhajar believes that both parties are committed to finding a common solution and resolving problems in efforts to affirm the Indonesian-Malaysia national line.

"At the visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo to Malaysia on June 7 to 8, 2023, the two state leaders have agreed that 4 issues of resolving the RI-Malaysia national boundary, namely, OBP Sebatik Island, OBP Sungai Sinapad-Sesai, West Sebatik Island Waters (new West Pillar to AA2 Pillar) and the Intertidal Area in East Sebatik Island can be resolved in June 2024," said Suhajar.

In this regard, he continued, the two countries are expected to harmonize all necessary activities in order to comply with the target in June 2024.

Then, he said, things that had been planned were expected to be agreed together so that they could run properly and there were no significant obstacles.

"Hopefully my presence will strengthen the cooperation relationship between the Government of Indonesia and Malaysia in the field of surveys and demarcation that has been established so that it becomes better in the future," he said.

In addition, on behalf of the Indonesian government, Suhajar welcomed all delegates from Malaysia who were present in Bogor City. He hopes that invited guests can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the City of Bogor.

"Hopefully the trial can run successfully with an atmosphere full of friendship and can produce agreements that accommodate common interests for the two countries," he concluded.