Indonesia And Malaysia Agree On A Strategic Agenda For Border Infrastructure Development
JAKARTA - To strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the development of border areas, increase connectivity, and management of joint security and socio-economics in the Indonesia-Malaysia Border Area, the Government of Indonesia and Malaysia reaffirmed their cooperation commitment through the 40th Session of the Jobs/Socio-Economic Development Working Group (JKK/KK) SOSPECT MALINDO which took place on November 18-19 2025 in Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.
In the opening session, Director General of Bina Adwil Dr. Safrizal, ZA MSi Director General of Regional Administration, Ministry of Home Affairs as chairman of the Sosek Malindo and Malaysian Delegations Working Group led by Encik YBrs. Badrul's Mr. Shah bin Mohd Idris Timbalan, Head of State Safety Steering (Security Management), Majlis Keselamatan Negara, expressed his appreciation for the relationship that has existed for more than four decades.
In his remarks, Safrizal emphasized that the SOSEK MALINDO collaboration, which has been running for more than 40 years, is strong evidence of the commitment of the two countries in developing border areas.
"Although many achievements have been achieved, there are still a number of agendas that require more intensive perception and coordination, especially regarding differences in legal basis and the implementation of agreements at the regional level," said Safrizal.
The two countries have made a number of advances, including the alignment of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for repatriation and control of bodies in Riau/Kepri-Johor/Melaka and Entikong-Tebedu. Both parties agreed to strengthen the coordination mechanism through the formation of the Facilitation Team and the communication center as well as the implementation of a one-year trial period.
The two countries have expressed their commitment to encourage the opening of the RoRo Dumai-Melaka and Batam-Johor sea lanes, which are expected to strengthen the flow of goods and community mobility. In addition, the operation of the Entikong International Goods Terminal and the acceleration of the development of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Tebedu-Entikong area are the main focus, in line with the direction of the national leaders of the two countries.
In the border management sector, Indonesia and Malaysia agreed to strengthen technical coordination in the management of the Sembakung-Pansiangan River, including the establishment of a Joint Technical Committee and the implementation of the flood early warning system. The discussion also touched harmonization related to the Serusdong-Sei Manggari National Entrance (PMA) as well as the acceleration of the operation of the Temajuk-Telok Melano State Border Post (PLBN).
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Another issue that is also in the spotlight is the plan to reopen Exit/Entry Point at the Sei Mosquito (Sebatik)-Tawau PLBN, as an effort to optimize community mobility in the Sebatik Island area, which has had a high intensity of economic and social interactions.
"Let us continue to maintain a good spirit of collaboration and communication, strengthen friendly relations, and jointly realize progress and prosperity for the people in the Border/Sempadadan Indonesia and Malaysia areas," said Safrizal at the close of the trial.
The meeting closed with the agreement of the 2026 SOSECT Activity Takwim, including the determination of Indonesia as the host of the 41st Trial. The two countries emphasize that the spirit of friendship, trust, and joint commitment will be the main foundation in strengthening the development of border areas in a sustainable manner.