Malaysian Foreign Minister Meets Sugiono: What is at Stake?
The Malaysian Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, widely known as Tok Mat, held a bilateral meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in Jakarta. The meeting was held as part of the 17th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which has been reconvened for the first time since 2008.
During the meeting, both nations discussed various strategic issues, ranging from strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation to resolving border issues and ensuring the protection of citizens. Sugiono emphasised that the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia possesses a bond that extends far beyond ordinary diplomatic relations.
“The relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia is deeper than a mere bilateral connection between two nations. Beyond that, Indonesia and Malaysia share DNA, culture, language, borders, and many similarities,” said Sugintoro following the meeting on Thursday (4/6/2026).
According to Sugiono, the meeting serves as a vital momentum to optimise the potential of both countries to improve public welfare. He noted that discussions covered increasing economic cooperation, regional stability, the protection of citizens, and strengthening the strategic positions of Indonesia and Malaysia within the broader dynamics of international relations.
Both countries also agreed to strengthen coordination and expand cooperation across various sectors. Furthermore, Indonesia and Malaysia expressed appreciation for the efforts of technical teams from both nations, who continue to work towards resolving several shared concerns.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Hasan stated that the 17th JCBC took place in a spirit of friendship to find solutions to remaining issues between the two nations. He assessed that the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia is currently very close. “I assess that the close and good relationship between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia has reached 98%. The remaining 2% consists of issues that we still need to resolve in the best possible manner,” he remarked.
A primary focus of the discussions was the increase of trade and investment, both between Indonesia and Malaysia and at the ASEAN level. According to Hasan, intra-ASEAN trade currently only accounts for approximately 25% of the region’s total trade, indicating significant room for growth.
He noted that the experience of facing various global instabilities, including the conflict in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, serves as an important lesson for ASEAN nations to strengthen regional economic cooperation.
In addition to trade, cross-border connectivity was also a point of concern. Both parties discussed efforts to facilitate people’s mobility and strengthen people-to-people ties within the region.
Hasan also revealed that several discussions regarding land and maritime borders between Indonesia and Malaysia have entered the final stages towards an agreement. The results of these negotiations will be presented to the leaders of both countries during the annual consultation scheduled to take place at the end of the year when Malaysia serves as the host.
In the field of labour, Indonesia proposed expanding employment opportunities for Indonesian workers into new sectors in Malaysia, including the caregiving sector. Hasan noted that this proposal would be further discussed by the relevant ministries, as it falls outside the direct authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Additionally, both countries discussed access to education for the children of Indonesian citizens who work and contribute to the Malaysian economy. Hasan emphasised that the right to education is a human right that must be guaranteed in accordance with various international conventions.
Overall, the 17th JCBC resulted in several understandings expected to elevate the Indonesia-Malaysia relationship to a higher level. Both neighbouring nations are also looking forward to the annual meeting between the President of Indonesia and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, scheduled for the second half of this year.