Up and Down Indonesia-Malaysia

Relations between Indonesia and Malaysia are truly unique. Two states  have similar culture, language used is still allied, but the relationship has not always been cordial. Inter governmental relations is relatively good, but people to people-relationships sometimes up and down.

Have repeatedly, officials of both countries visit each other. In various international meetings, leaders of Indonesia and Malaysia are also often getting dialogue.

Yesterday (18/12/2012), President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono attended the 9th annual consultations between the governments of Indonesia and Malaysia in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Before conducting the annual consultations, President SBY met with Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak.

In an intimate setting, the two leaders discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations and issues such as the protection of citizens and migrants, border issues, trade and investment.

Visiting President SBY  to Malaysia this time is  disturbed by unpleasant due to writing the former Minister of Information, Malaysia, Tan Sri Zainuddin maidins, who insulted former President, BJ Habibie.

In the article, Habibie is portrayed as selfish. Indonesian is certainly not pleased with the statement of Sri Zainuddin, as stated by President SBY after watching the movie and Ainun Habibie, on Monday afternoon (18/12) in Jakarta. President said that the statement hurt feelings and can interfere with the relationship between the two countries.

House of Representatives sent a strong protest to the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Herman Prayitno also delivered a diplomatic note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Tun Razak has called Zainuddin. Furthermore, Zainuddin admitted his mistake on the article published in the newspaper Utusan Malaysia, December 10, 2012. Zainuddin also apologized to Habibie and the Indonesian people.

With apologies are expected to re-warm relations between the two nations. It still left some issues surrounding the relationship between the citizens of both countries as a matter of Indonesian workers, border disputes, issues of cultural heritages, even football supporters dispute.

Indonesia economic relationship has been close. Indonesia's exports to Malaysia in 2011 reached U.S. $ 10, 9 billion and imports touched U.S. $ 10.4 billion. Compared to previous years, the trade volume has increased.  

In ASEAN, Indonesia is the third largest trading partner for Malaysia, after Singapore and Thailand. Malaysia is the country's eighth largest investor for Indonesia. Many Malaysian companies are planting stock in some country areas.

As presented President SBY and Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Tun Razak in a joint conference, the two countries committed to increasing cooperation in various fields.