Malaysia-Indonesia relations more significant than issues that arise - Anies Baswedan

KUALA LUMPUR - The long-standing friendship between Malaysia and Indonesia is considerably stronger than the problems that occasionally develop between the two nations, said former Jakarta Governor Dr. Anies Baswedan.

The potential Indonesian presidential candidate from the Coalition for Unity of Change (KPP) views the problems that arise as part of the neighbourly way of life and believes they will be resolved in a friendly atmosphere.

"We will continue to be neighbours forever, so every time there is an issue, we discuss it openly," he said when met at a dinner organised by the Jamiatul Khairiah Selangor and Federal Territory Welfare Organization on Tuesday night.

Anies expressed these views when asked about his views on the current Malaysia-Indonesia relationship in light of emerging issues such as transboundary haze and Indonesian migrant workers.

He was in Malaysia to fulfil an invitation to deliver a lecture at the International Institute of Islamic Civilisation and Malay World (ISTAC-IIUM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) on Wednesday.

Anies said that in his meeting with the Indonesian community in Malaysia on Tuesday, they expressed aspirations for both countries' policies regarding migrant workers to be aligned.

"Much of the discussion was about migrant workers, and that's what needs to be discussed together, not just workers but also their children so that they have equal opportunities and a bright future," he said.

When asked about Indonesia's relations with China and the United States, Anies believes that Indonesia needs to maintain a balance in its relationships with both major powers in line with ASEAN's approach.

"We need to maintain foreign policies based on values (value-based foreign policy), not transactional foreign policy, so we can convey that we want national sovereignty.

"So when there are actions (by external parties) that undermine sovereignty, we should stand up," he said.

On September 2, Anies and Muhaimin Iskandar were each declared as presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2024-2029 Indonesian Presidential Election.

Anies joins the list of other presidential candidates, including Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto. - BERNAMA