Malaysia-Indonesia Relations: Strengthening Bilateral Ties And ASEAN Cooperation

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Indonesia share a unique and long-standing diplomatic relationship deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and economic ties. 

Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin, said that as founding members of ASEAN, both nations play a pivotal role in shaping regional stability and development.

Speaking on Bernama TV’s programme Bernama World, the ambassador highlighted the evolving nature of Malaysia-Indonesia relations and their significance to ASEAN’s future. 

He underscored that strong bilateral ties have been reinforced through frequent exchanges of visits between leaders, ministers, and senior officials.

“There is good chemistry between President Prabowo (Prabowo Subianto) and His Majesty the King of Malaysia (Sultan Ibrahim), as well as with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“This closeness will pave the way for stronger bilateral cooperation,” he said. 

The ambassador emphasised that leader-to-leader relationships are crucial, particularly in the Asian context, where diplomatic ties often hinge on personal connections. 

Given Indonesia’s strategic importance to Malaysia, both countries have established a comprehensive bilateral framework with structured mechanisms for cooperation.

He acknowledged that public expectations remain high on both sides, with citizens eager to see deeper collaboration and stronger diplomatic engagements in the future.

Within the broader ASEAN framework, he stressed that Malaysia and Indonesia, as founding members, play an essential role in fostering regional cooperation and stability.

“If Malaysia and Indonesia are not on good terms, it would pose challenges to strengthening regional cooperation within ASEAN.”

“Over the past few years, our relations have been strong, and we share many common interests, whether at the political or economic level. This contributes to greater cooperation in Southeast Asia,” he said.

The ambassador also touched on pressing geopolitical issues, including tensions in the South China Sea, where Malaysia and Indonesia share a commitment to peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue. 

A unified stance between both nations, he noted, strengthens ASEAN’s role in international diplomacy.

On security cooperation, he highlighted the evolving threats posed by extremist ideologies in the digital age.

“Security challenges today are different from the past. The advent of social media has introduced new threats for all countries.” 

“We collaborate with Indonesia in addressing extremism, particularly because we share the same language,” he said.

Syed Md Hasrin emphasised that while Malaysia and Indonesia have long-standing security partnerships, continued cooperation is essential to combat radicalisation, particularly in online spaces.

On environmental concerns, including transboundary haze caused by Sumatran forest fires, he acknowledged that both Malaysia and Indonesia have made significant efforts to curb open burning and enforce stricter policies. 

He noted that Malaysian companies operating in Indonesia have adhered to Indonesian environmental laws, leading to a reduction in haze-related incidents in recent years.

“In the past few years, transboundary haze has significantly decreased. Our companies in Indonesia remain committed to combating open burning in line with Indonesian regulations,” he said.

The ambassador highlighted ASEAN’s regional framework for haze mitigation as a crucial platform for ensuring continued cooperation in addressing this recurring issue.

With Indonesia’s capital relocation to Nusantara in Kalimantan, environmental sustainability has become a more pressing issue. 

Syed Md Hasrin stressed that post-pandemic collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia must prioritise climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to build environmental resilience.

Additionally, he pointed to maritime pollution as another area for cooperation, where both countries could work together on ocean conservation and waste management strategies for the benefit of the broader ASEAN region.

As renewable energy emerges as a key focus of Malaysia-Indonesia cooperation, Syed Md Hasrin highlighted the potential for enhanced electric connectivity between the two nations.

“There is already cooperation in electric connectivity, and there is significant potential for hydro and other renewable energy sources,” 

“We also aim to contribute to the ASEAN power grid while addressing climate change.” 

He added that improving connectivity - whether in energy, transportation, or trade - would significantly contribute to building a stronger and more integrated ASEAN community.

Malaysia and Indonesia’s long-standing ties continue to evolve, with both nations prioritising cooperation across multiple sectors, including security, environmental sustainability, and economic connectivity.

As key players in ASEAN, their collaboration is vital to ensuring regional stability, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering a more cohesive Southeast Asian community.

-- BERNAMA