Ismawi Malaysia confident Jokowi will strengthen bilateral ties

The Malaysia-Indonesia Journalists Solidarity Association (Iswami) believes the two-way relations between Malaysia and Indonesia has entered a new era with the election of Joko Widodo as the president of the republic today.

Head of Iswami Malaysia, Datuk Zulkefli Salleh said this trend was based on the background of Indonesia's seventh president who was more popularly known as Jokowi, the dynamic man of the people.

"Besides strengthening the existing close two-way ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, we also believe he will give attention to ties in new areas which benefit both countries," Zulkefli, who is also Editor-in-Chief and Bernama Acting General Manager, said in a statement here today.

Conveying his congratulations to Jokowi and the people of Indonesia, he said Iswami would continue playing a major role in supporting the leadership of both countries improve ties between entrepreneurs, as well as foster understanding and closeness between the two peoples.

"This is a role that has long been played by Iswami, both in Malaysia and Indonesia, in line with the concept of common roots, which is the backbone of Asean.

"For us in Malaysia, we always pray that Indonesia will enjoy more progress, prosperity and harmony," he said, calling on journalists in both countries to focus on positive news, which could lead to better productivity and harmony.

Iswami is an organisation which unites journalists of both countries with the objective of fostering understanding through various activities, as well as cooperation in journalism.