# Malaysia, Indonesia count down to 70 years

> Tourism, trade and education ties are driving Malaysia and Indonesia toward a milestone anniversary in 2027.
- Title: Malaysia, Indonesia count down to 70 years · Malay Mail
- Summary: Tourism, trade and education ties are driving Malaysia and Indonesia toward a milestone anniversary in 2027. Malaysia and Indonesia are using strong tourism…
- Keywords: malaysia, indonesia, jakarta, farzamie sarkawi, anwar ibrahim, prabowo subianto, malaysia day, diplomatic ties, tourism, trade, asean, education cooperation
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/16/more-than-26-million-malaysians-visited-indonesia-in-2025-as-neighbours-gear-up-for-70-years-of-diplomatic-ties/235362
- Published: 2026-09-16T09:08:33+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: malaysia, indonesia, jakarta, farzamie sarkawi, anwar ibrahim, prabowo subianto, malaysia day, diplomatic ties, tourism, trade, asean, education cooperation
## 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
## Key takeaway

Malaysia and Indonesia are using strong tourism, trade, education and Asean ties to deepen a relationship rooted in shared culture.