ASEAN Unity Crucial in Face of Global Tension
The synergy between Malaysia, Indonesia, and their ASEAN partners is vital to ensure the region’s voice is heard more at the global level, particularly in the face of geopolitical challenges, said Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Strengthening ASEAN Unity
He emphasized that the close relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, as countries that share a common history, culture, ethnicity, and religion, should serve as a foundation for stronger strategic cooperation, thereby strengthening ASEAN unity.
"In terms of geopolitics, we are aware that the world is now full of tension and uncertainty. That is why in Malaysia and Indonesia’s view, we need to continue to consult; we need to continue to synergise with our other ASEAN friends," Prabowo said.
ASEAN’s Great Potential
In a press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Petronas Twin Towers, Prabowo stressed that ASEAN, with more than 600 million people, has great potential comparable to the European Union.
"The whole world recognises Southeast Asia as a region of growth and now, Southeast Asia for many decades, the region of peace," Prabowo said.
Support for Palestine
Commenting on Palestine, Prabowo said Malaysia and Indonesia share the same stance in supporting the two-state solution.
"On the Palestinian issue, we are on the same page. We support the independence of Palestine and we are firm that the only solution is the two-state solution," Prabowo said.
Indonesia’s Commitment to Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship
Meanwhile, Prabowo gave Indonesia’s commitment to support Malaysia’s leadership as the 2025 ASEAN chairman.
"We support Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year," Prabowo said.
ASEAN Comprises 10 Southeast Asian Countries
ASEAN comprises 10 Southeast Asian countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Bilateral Trade between Malaysia and Indonesia
From January to November 2024, the total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Indonesia was RM106.06 billion (US$23.2 billion), up from RM101.99 billion (US$22.41 billion) recorded in the same period in 2023. Indonesia was Malaysia’s eighth largest trading partner globally and third largest in ASEAN in 2023, with a total trade of RM111.21 billion (US$24.39 billion).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the unity and cooperation between ASEAN member states, including Malaysia and Indonesia, are crucial in the face of global challenges. The region’s great potential and shared values can be leveraged to strengthen ASEAN’s voice and influence on the world stage.
FAQs
Q: Why is ASEAN unity important in the face of global tension?
A: ASEAN unity is important because it allows the region to present a united front in the face of global challenges and to negotiate with other countries as a single, cohesive entity.
Q: What is the significance of the close relations between Malaysia and Indonesia?
A: The close relations between Malaysia and Indonesia are significant because they serve as a foundation for stronger strategic cooperation and can be leveraged to strengthen ASEAN unity.
Q: What is Indonesia’s commitment to Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship?
A: Indonesia has committed to support Malaysia’s leadership as the 2025 ASEAN chairman.
Q: What is the theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025?
A: The theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 is "Inclusivity and Sustainability".