KUALA LUMPUR: While the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Indonesia heightened, Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Hermono, stressed the need to strengthen people-to-people ties.
He noted that disharmony in people-to-people relations could undermine the bilateral relations between the brotherly nations in the long run.
The diplomat said Malaysia and Indonesia could serve as an anchor for the Southeast Asian region, but this cannot be achieved if the serumpun (family) sentiment or the feeling of 'oneness' was not embraced by the people of both countries.
"Politicians and leaders always come and go. In Malaysia, within the last five years, you have seen four prime ministers. So we cannot rely on politicians, but people-to-people relations will be permanent," he said at a Seminar titled 'Fraternal Function in Migration: Reshaping Malaysia-Indonesia Future Relationship' at Universiti Malaya, here on Tuesday.
Hermono highlighted three issues that often triggered friction among the people of both countries -- mistreatment of Indonesian migrant workers, border disputes and shared cultural heritage.
He said both countries managed to find solutions to two of the problems. The disputes over cultural icons can be resolved by jointly submitting shared cultural heritage to UNESCO.
Meanwhile, two landmark treaties on the delimitation of the nations' territorial seas in parts of the Straits of Malacca and the Sulawesi Sea were signed during President Joko Widodo's visit to Malaysia early this month. Both countries also pledged to resolve other land boundary issues by June 2024.
However, he said the issues concerning Indonesian migrant workers such as mental and physical abuse, unpaid salary as well as exploitation, are yet to be resolved.
"Last week we received a labour court verdict. A domestic worker has been working for 16 years, but the employer just paid her (maid) for the first six years.
"We found many cases of unpaid salaries like this," he said, stressing the need to strengthen the protection of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia.
To assist Malaysia in addressing the issue of undocumented Indonesian workers, Hermono said the country has conducted massive operations in recent months to combat human trafficking.
"Around 480 traffickers have been detained and these (operations) will continue and hopefully by doing so, we (Indonesia) will reduce the number of undocumented workers in Malaysia. We cannot rely on Malaysia alone to solve this problem," he said adding that employers tend to hire illegal workers to reduce costs.
According to a statement by the Malaysian Immigration Department on June 10, there are 450,000 Indonesian workers recorded by the Malaysian government so far, compared to 1.5 million workers recorded by the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Hermono also highlighted the negative perceptions towards Indonesian migrants among Malaysians which also created friction between the people of both countries.
"So, this is another homework for both governments to work on. Otherwise, we are going to have a very complicated relationship in the next 20 years," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jun 21 2023
Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Hermono highlighted three issues that often triggered friction among the people of both countries - mistreatment of Indonesian migrant workers, border disputes and shared cultural heritage. - KBRI Kuala Lumpur
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.