JAKARTA : In a meeting that went beyond formality and handshakes, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto reignited a long-standing personal and diplomatic bond, paving the way for stronger regional collaboration under the ASEAN banner.
Held at the historic Istana Merdeka, the meeting wasn’t just a diplomatic courtesy. It was a reflection of a decades-long friendship — a foundation that allowed both leaders to delve into complex regional challenges, from economic uncertainty due to potential US tariffs to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
The leaders reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional stability, ASEAN solidarity, and closer bilateral cooperation. Among the key breakthroughs was the mutual recognition of Malaysia’s halal certification by Indonesia, eliminating the need for new procedures and opening smoother paths for cross-border halal trade.
In a joint vision for the halal economy, both nations agreed in principle to establish an ASEAN Halal Council—a move poised to unify and uplift the halal industry across Southeast Asia.
Beyond trade, Ahmad Zahid also held discussions with Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, covering labour welfare, fisheries cooperation, and regional peace. Both countries agreed to honour a 2012 MoU that ensures fishermen unintentionally entering foreign waters will be warned, not punished—a continued sign of maritime goodwill.
In education, Malaysia inked new Letters of Intent on TVET collaboration, enhancing ties with Jakarta and West Sumatra through partnerships involving UniKL and Education Malaysia Global Services.
Economic growth was also on the agenda, with the two sides committing to joint ventures in the franchise sector to build a more competitive and resilient regional economy.
Highlighting Malaysia’s regional vision, Ahmad Zahid launched the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025, focused on sustainable mobility and innovation, and held talks with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, advocating for the One ASEAN, One Response disaster framework. Malaysia also offered to help ASEAN nations develop elite search and rescue teams modeled after its own SMART unit.
Religious cooperation saw another leap forward, with support voiced for haj dam rituals to be performed in pilgrims’ home countries, and for permanent facilities to be built in Mina—ideas to be sensitively proposed to Saudi Arabia.
As the region navigates geopolitical uncertainties, Ahmad Zahid’s visit reaffirmed Malaysia’s role as a diplomatic bridge-builder and regional unifier.
