Gibran Receives Representative PM Of Malaysia, Discusses Economic Cooperation To Protection Of Indonesian Migrant Workers

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Series Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, held a meeting at the Vice President's Palace, Jakarta, Monday (21/4/2025) (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka received an honorary visit from the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Series Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, at the Vice Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday, April 21.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, after the meeting which lasted about 1 hour from 09.30 WIB, said that the two countries discussed various strategic issues concerning bilateral RI-Malaysia cooperation in various sectors.

"There is a discussion on strengthening economic cooperation, especially the cooperation of the Batam-Johor area," he said.

Apart from the economy, the issue of the halal industry is also in the spotlight. Given that Indonesia and Malaysia are the two countries with the largest Muslim population in Southeast Asia, both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration in the development of a sustainable halal industry.

The protection of Indonesian migrant workers is also an important agenda. In this case, the two countries are committed to intensify the implementation of a one channel system to ensure more systematic and secure protection and distribution of Indonesian workers.

Another strategic issue is cooperation in the palm oil sector, where Indonesia and Malaysia are the largest producers in the world.

Pratikno said the two countries plan to strengthen collaboration to face global challenges related to the industry.

In the field of education, said Pratikno, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation through the Education and Technical and Vocational Educational Education and Training (TVET) program.

Malaysia even plans to send its students to study at various universities and technology institutes in Indonesia.

Tourism cooperation is also a discussion, especially ahead of the 2026 Malaysian Tourism Year.

According to Pratikno, the Malaysian government conveyed its intention to promote tourism in Indonesia as part of the agenda.

Not only that, but the two countries also discussed maritime cooperation, especially the protection of fishermen in border waters, as well as increasing agricultural cooperation.

"Cooperation in agriculture, because the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia also emphasized that Indonesia's agricultural production is good, so he also wants to learn from Indonesia," he said.

In the religious sector, said Pratikno, residential cooperation initiatives were also conveyed for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as well as strengthening moderate Islamic education between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Finally, the two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to provide full support to the struggle of the Palestinian people.

Apart from Pratikno, a number of members of the Red and White Cabinet were also present at the meeting, Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar, Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security (Menkopolkam), Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono.