JOINT STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA AND HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA 8 JUNE 2023

JOINT STATEMENT BY
THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA AND
HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
8 JUNE 2023

1. The Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted the President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo for a Working Visit to Malaysia on 7 and 8 June 2023.

2. During the visit, the two leaders held bilateral discussion on 8 June 2023 on a range of bilateral issues of mutual interests. Both leaders underscored their commitment to further strengthen relations between the two countries to promote comprehensive peace and security, and stability in the region for the prosperity of both peoples.

3. Both leaders and thereafter witnessed the signing of the following instruments:
3.1. Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Border Crossing (BCA);
3.2. Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Border Trade (BTA);
3.3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Cooperation in Investment Promotion;
3.4. Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Mutual Recognition of Halal Certification for Domestic Products.
3.5. Treaty between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia Relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Southernmost Part of the Straits of Melaka (SOM Treaty); and
3.6. Treaty between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia Relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Sulawesi Sea (Sulawesi Sea Treaty).

4. Both Leaders undertook to cooperate closely to address highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil by the European Union (EU) through the introduction of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). They underlined that the EU needs to promptly address such discriminatory measures and work towards a fair and equitable resolution.

5. Both sides reached a significant milestone with the signing of the SOM Treaty and the Sulawesi Sea Treaty after almost two decades of negotiations on maritime boundaries delimitation. The two Leaders expressed commitment to expedite their respective internal processes towards realising the simultaneous entry into force of the Treaties. Both Leaders are determined to resolve the land boundary issues on OBP Pulau Sebatik, OBP Sungai Sinapad-Sesai and new West Pillar on Pulau Sebatik to AA2 Pillar, as well as issues relating to the intertidal area in the east of Pulau Sebatik and the gap from the low water line to Point M by June 2024. Both Leaders expressed their views that the signing of the Treaties symbolises the harmonious relationship and camaraderie between both countries and provides a solid foundation for future maritime boundary negotiations
between the two countries.

6. The two Leaders also agreed to task their maritime boundary negotiation teams to commence as soon as possible negotiations on all the remaining and outstanding maritime boundaries between both countries simultaneously.

7. Both sides emphasised our dedicated efforts towards effective implementation of the MOU Between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in Respect of the Common Guidelines Concerning Treatment of Fisherman by Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies of Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia. Towards this end, both sides called for closer cooperation and continuous open channels of communication by the authorities on both sides to safeguard the safety and protect the livelihood of the fishermen from both countries.

8. The two Leaders acknowledged the commitment of both parties to improve the protection of basic rights, welfare and livelihood of all Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. The Leaders took note of the three Working Group meetings that have been held since the signing of the MOU on the Employment and Protection
of Indonesian Domestic Migrant Workers in Malaysia since 1 April 2022, and encouraged both sides to continue to iron out any impediments in facilitating the employment of domestic workers. Both sides also agreed to review the Memorandum of Understanding on Recruitment of Indonesian Workers Between the Government of Malaysia and Government of the Republic of Indonesia 2004, including by providing a mechanism to address all issues pertaining to all migrant workers in a comprehensive manner.

9. Both sides discussed the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed concern over the ongoing violence in the country. Both leaders called on Myanmar to fully implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and reiterated our unified position that the 5PC remains ASEAN's main reference. We called for the immediate cessation of all forms of violence and the use of force to create a conducive environment that would enable inclusive national dialogue among all parties concerned and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all the people in need in Myanmar, without discrimination. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work closely within ASEAN and other external partners, including the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to encourage progress in the implementation of the 5PC, with the end goal of finding a peaceful and durable
solution, in the interest of the people of Myanmar.

10.Both leaders reaffirmed the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which provides a guide for ASEAN's engagement in the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean regions, and external partners to work together with ASEAN to undertake practical cooperation on the four key areas identified in the AOIP. Recalling the
ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Mainstreaming Four Priority Areas of the AOIP within ASEAN-led mechanisms, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of preserving ASEAN Centrality in maintaining and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean
regions.

11. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the solid and significant outcome of the visit which underlined the comprehensive relations between Malaysia and Republic of Indonesia. This milestone will keep the positive momentum going for both sides to work closely together to address other outstanding bilateral issues with the view for it to be resolved by the 13th Leader's Annual Consultation that will be hosted by the Republic of Indonesia.

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