STRENGTHENING INDONESIA–MALAYSIA TIES THROUGH DIVERSE COOPERATION: INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR’S VISION

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Raden Datuk Mohammad Iman Hascarya has expressed his desire to further strengthen the close ties between Indonesia and Malaysia by enhancing cooperation in several areas.

Speaking at a breaking of fast event, which was also his first meeting with the media here, he said strengthening Indonesia–Malaysia relations has always been the goal of every Indonesian ambassador posted to the country.

“I would like to focus on investment, trade and the protection of Indonesian workers. Proper protection for Indonesian workers will contribute positively to the bilateral relations between the two countries,” he said.

In 2025, President Prabowo Subianto visited Malaysia five times, making it the country he visited most frequently last year.

According to Hascarya, the media play an important role in contributing positively to Indonesia–Malaysia relations.

Therefore, he said he would maintain good relations with the Malaysian media, as his predecessor, Datuk Hermono, had practised.

He said Malaysia is important to Indonesia not only because the two countries share many similarities in language and customs, but also because many Indonesian workers earn a living in Malaysia to support their families back home.

The movement of people between Indonesia and Malaysia is also high, particularly for tourism purposes, he added.

Touching on the ASEAN region, Hascarya expressed optimism that Southeast Asia would remain peaceful amid global uncertainties, citing the very close and strong ties among member states.

The ambassador presented his letter of credence to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, on Jan 20.

--BERNAMA