Malaysian Army Chief Visits Nusantara, Response Unexpected

Major General Datuk Shamshor bin Haji Jaafar, Commander of the 5th Division of the Malaysian Army, visited the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan. The visit by Major General Shamsor was to discuss defence and security relations between Malaysia and the IKN Authority. “This is a step in defence diplomacy, or what we call Defence Diplomacy in Malaysia, where one element of power is diplomacy using the armies of both countries to realise good defence cooperation,” he said. On that occasion, Major General Shamsor met directly with the Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono. The two discussed defence and security, particularly along the border between the two countries. “Indeed, we spoke earlier with the Authority Head, Mr Basuki, about the role of defence and security aspects because as IKN grows, the population capacity will certainly increase, so the demarcation line between Malaysia and Indonesia will become busier in the future. Therefore, defence and surveillance collaboration needs to be further emphasised,” he explained. After discussing defence and security, Major General Shamsor offered his assessment of IKN. He described IKN as a beautiful city and a city of the future for Indonesia. He also plans to bring his family to visit IKN for a holiday. “It is truly my first visit. The best word I would use to describe it is very beautiful. Previously, we only knew IKN through social media; today, Alhamdulillah, my wife and I have set foot in IKN,” he said. “We found IKN to be a truly futuristic city. We were even chatting in the vehicle earlier that once IKN is complete, we will bring our family and relatives to come here,” he added. When asked for the right words for IKN, Major General Shamsor had an answer: “IKN, continue to advance, be safe, progress, and be glorious.”