A milestone nears

Malaysia and Indonesia are preparing to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, with both sides saying cooperation is gaining pace.

Shared roots matter

Farzamie Sarkawi framed the relationship as more than geography, pointing to shared history, language and culture at Malaysia Day celebrations in Jakarta.

“We are not only neighbours, but also brothers and sisters”

Dialogue holds firm

He said the two countries have handled obstacles through dialogue, respect, friendship and a sense of working together.

Top officials attended

The event drew senior figures from both countries, including Malaysia’s ambassador-designate Muzaffar Shah Mustafa and several Indonesian ministers.

Trade keeps climbing

Bilateral trade reached US$34.22 billion in 2025. Malaysia was also Indonesia’s fourth-largest investor, with US$4.5 billion invested.

Tourists crossed both ways

More than 2.63 million Malaysians visited Indonesia in 2025, making Malaysia its biggest source of foreign visitors. Indonesia sent 4.26 million tourists to Malaysia.

Leaders stayed close

Anwar Ibrahim and Prabowo Subianto met through the Annual Consultation in Jakarta, followed by Anwar’s special visit to the city on March 27.

Committees did the work

Both countries held the 17th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in June and a Joint Trade and Investment Committee meeting this month.

Asean remains central

Farzamie said Malaysia wants Asean to stay united and influential, focused on peace, stability and prosperity across the region.

Education gets a push

Brian Yuliarto said education has anchored cooperation since a 1972 agreement, and backed a joint academic consortium for exchanges and joint programmes.

“May our two nations grow even closer in the years to come”