Malaysia, Indonesia set up action committee to promote Bahasa Melayu-Bahasa Indonesia

Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to set up an action committee to promote Bahasa Melayu-Bahasa Indonesia to the international level.

Socio-cultural affairs advisor to the Malaysian government, Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said the action committee would improve cooperation to make the languages of both countries languages of knowledge.

"This is a new effort towards taking Bahasa Melayu-Bahasa Indonesia to the world stage," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after a courtesy visit to Indonesian Vice President, Drs H. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla at the latter's office here, Tuesday.

Also present at the meeting were Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim and the Liaison Officer of the Malaysia-Indonesia People's Coalition Foundation (YIRMI) in Jakarta, Drs Firdaus Effendi.

According to Rais, the effort to making them languages of knowledge would involve institutes of higher learning in the archipelago.

"The cooperation and new understanding is an acknowledgement of Bahasa Melayu-Bahasa Indonesia as international languages," he said.

Commenting on the image of Islam, Rais said Indonesia also supported a moderate Islam.

"Jusuf Kalla also praised Malaysia's efforts in moderation which is similar to Indonesia," he said.

During the meeting, Rais said Indonesia supported cultural and heritage programmes organised by YIRMI.

He said Jusuf also agreed to choose an icon for YIRMI's struggle in Indonesia.

"He fully supports YIRMI's efforts in culture as a way to bring the two countries closer," Rais said.

"Jusuf Kalla also agreed to attend the Nusantara Musical Concert which will be held at Istana Budaya (in Kuala Lumpur) on March 14," he said.