Indonesia, Malaysia Strengthen Cooperation on Energy and Defense
- VIVA.co.id/Rahmat Fatahillah Ilham
Malaysia, VIVA – President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Jan 27).
The meeting resulted in agreements to strengthen strategic cooperation in various sectors, including economy, energy, and defense.
The head of state emphasized the commitment to enhancing synergy between the two neighboring nations, highlighting the unique relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia.
“We share a historical bond, a blood connection, cultural ties, and even ethnic links. Many of Malaysia’s leaders still have family in Indonesia. These connections are numerous. Therefore, I believe this should make the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia even more distinctive,” the President stated.
One of the key collaborations agreed upon by both countries is in the energy sector.
Perdana Menteri Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim (tengah) menyambut kedatangan Presiden RI Prabowo Subianto (kiri) di pelataran Rumah Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kamis, 9 Januari 2025.
- ANTARA
Additionally, the two leaders discussed cooperation in trade and investment, including the management of the palm oil industry, a key commodity for both nations.
The President stated that Indonesia and Malaysia are the world’s largest palm oil producers, accounting for 80 percent of global production.
“Whenever I visit certain countries, they always emphasize their need for palm oil—Egypt, India, Pakistan, all of them. So, I believe we can accomplish a great deal together. And I appreciate Malaysia’s continued support in this regard,” he remarked.
Indonesia also agreed to cooperate in the defense sector. The meeting concluded with an agreement to accelerate the implementation of collaborations through intensive coordination between the relevant ministries of both countries.
During the same occasion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that strengthening energy cooperation could be achieved through strategic collaboration between Petronas and Pertamina.
“Our commitment is to ensure cooperation between Petronas and Pertamina—two leading oil and gas companies in the region—to explore new opportunities and facilitate cross-country knowledge transfer,” said the minister.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with Indonesia, which possesses extensive experience and strength in the defense sector.
Moreover, he acknowledged Indonesia’s wealth of expertise in this field.
“Both parties have agreed to utilize all available strengths, including in the defense sector, where Indonesia has significant experience and capabilities,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of concrete actions to ensure the success of this cooperation.
“We have both given clear instructions to our respective countries, ministries, and the private sector to make improvements and ensure that everything agreed upon at the ministerial level is implemented promptly,” the minister concluded.
