Malaysia Seeks Stronger Trade Ties with Indonesia Ahead of 70th Anniversary

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Malaysia hopes to strengthen trade cooperation with Indonesia as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. Economic ties are seen as a key agenda alongside the already close political and social relations between the neighbors.

“In shaa Allah, next year there will be many activities we will carry out, including cooperation in culture and politics,” Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim of the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta, Farzamie Sarkawi, said during Malaysia’s National Day and Malaysia Day celebration on Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026.

Farzamie noted that exchanges between leaders and community groups from both nations will also play a role in strengthening ties. Yet beyond politics and culture, Malaysia believes the economic sector--particularly trade--still holds significant potential for growth.

He recalled that Malaysia and Indonesia once set a bilateral trade target of USD30 billion in 2014, a figure that has not been reached again. “The closest we came was USD29 billion in 2022. That remains a goal we hope both countries can achieve together,” he emphasized.

“The prospects are many, but we hope to see greater engagement between business groups from both sides.”

In 2025, bilateral trade between Indonesia and Malaysia stood at USD24.22 billion. Malaysia also remained Indonesia’s fourth-largest investor, with investments totaling USD4.5 billion.

Tourism continues to be a strong link: more than 2.63 million Malaysians visited Indonesia, making Malaysia the largest source of foreign tourists. Conversely, Indonesia is one of Malaysia’s most important tourism markets, with 4.26 million Indonesians traveling to Malaysia.

For Indonesia, the closeness of the two nations is built not only on economic interests but also on shared history, language, and culture, said Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, who represented the government at the event.

“Indonesia and Malaysia share a unique relationship that has long been close and enduring. We are neighbors, ASEAN partners, and close friends who consistently support each other’s progress and prosperity,” Minister Brian stated.

He added that Malaysia’s National Day celebration reaffirmed the joint commitment to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two nations and their peoples in the years ahead.

“May Allah SWT continue to grant Malaysia peace, prosperity, and lasting success. Indonesia and Malaysia have enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship for nearly seven decades,” Minister Brian concluded. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)