Yusril: Strong RI-Malaysia Ties Foundation for Multisector Cooperation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, believes that the good relationship between the leaders of Indonesia and Malaysia serves as an essential foundation for deepening cooperation across various sectors.

“Indonesia and Malaysia are two kindred nations that have maintained a long-standing friendship,” said Yusril, as confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday.

During a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Monday (29/6), Yusril conveyed warm greetings from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s willingness to receive the visit despite a busy state agenda.

According to Yusril, the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia is built not only on geographical proximity but also on historical, cultural, and fraternal ties as neighbouring nations.

Consequently, he stated that Indonesia is committed to continuing close cooperation with Malaysia in facing various shared challenges, ranging from the protection of citizens and the handling of cross-border legal issues to the strengthening of institutional cooperation based on openness, mutual trust, and a spirit of brotherhood.

Several issues were briefly discussed, including the draft agreement on the transfer of prisoners between the two countries, which is due to be signed soon.

The draft has been discussed jointly between the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs. In the draft, the Malaysian government initially requested that the granting of pardons—such as remissions, amnesties, and abolitions—for repatriated Indonesian citizens must involve and require the approval of Malaysian authorities.

However, the Coordinating Minister noted that his side rejected this proposal, as such matters should remain the full responsibility of the Indonesian government.

Conversely, he added, if Malaysian prisoners are repatriated, their rehabilitation is the obligation of the Malaysian government, including the authority to grant pardons, amnesties, or abolitions.

As the transfer of prisoners is a task assigned to the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, he mentioned that his office has been proactive.

It was noted that the Coordinating Ministry has already repatriated many foreign prisoners to their respective home countries, and the time has come for the Indonesian government to address the repatriation of Indonesian citizens currently held abroad.

The meeting, held at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office, saw Minister Yusril accompanied by the Deputy for Legal Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry, Nofli; the Deputy for Immigration and Correctional Coordination, I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram; and the Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo.

Also present at the meeting were Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Nasution; Malaysia’s Attorney General, Dato’ Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar; as well as correctional and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials from Malaysia.