Malaysia-Indonesia relations enter interesting era

The good relations between Malaysia and Indonesia will not only continue but will also enter a new era which is more interesting following the appointment of Joko Widodo as the new president of Indonesia on Monday.

Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said in several meetings with him, Joko or more commonly known as "Jokowi" often said he was happy with the Republic's relations with the leaders and government of Malaysia.

"Joko is very happy with Malaysia, and he always said we are one (serumpun), referring to the similarities within the archipelago and the Malay race between Indonesians and Malaysians," he told Malaysian media delegation at the Suria Hotel here, which is the secretariat centre for Malaysia and the official residence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on his visit to the country to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the republic's seventh president on Monday.

The prime minister is among 18 foreign dignitaries and nine heads of government scheduled to attend the historic event at 10am at the People's Consultative Assembly, Indonesia's highest constitutional body.

Zahrain said proof that Jokowi was close to Malaysia could be seen in the fact that Najib's presence in Indonesia this time was upon the personal invitation of the new president who wanted Najib to be with the leaders and people of Indonesia to witness the ceremony which was very meaningful to him.

He said Jokowi, who was very experienced as an entrepreneur before becoming a politician, could improve economic cooperation between the two countries and boost the existing trade relations between Malaysia and Indonesia.

"In fact, as a businessman, he better understands issues connected to business and the economy.

"When we talk to him, we (Malaysians) are very comfortable with his personality because he is always humble and will boost relations between the two countries," he said.

Zahrain, who has held his position since the last 11 months, said Malaysia would continue working to improve the bilateral relations in all aspects during Jokowi's administration for the next five years.

He said during Najib's visit this time, the prime minister and leaders of other nations would not have the opportunity to have a four-eyed meeting with Jokowi due the tight schedule of the new president.

However, he said, Najib was due to meet with Jokowi in a special meeting during the APEC Conference in Beijing on Nov 10 as well as several international meetings in the near future.

He said during the meeting, several issues especially involving a memorandum of understanding previously signed by the two countries, including cooperation on the transportation of Indonesian workers to Malaysia especially in the housemaid sector and a solution for the over-lapping of maritime border between the two countries would have positive development.

"This includes economic issues which leaders of both countries will resolve as they involve investments of up to USD$30 billion.

"If planned well, especially with the new president's attitude of being more open, it is not possible that more is achieved," he said.

Zahrain also expressed his gratitude to president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) who strengthened ties between Malaysia and Indonesia during his administration of the republic. - Roslan Ariffin