ON Jan 8, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Indonesia to meet with President Joko Widodo.
Historically, the Indo-Malay kinship has undergirded the bond between the two countries.
When the Federation of Malaya gained independence in 1957, Jakarta was one of several cities selected to host the new country's pioneer foreign missions.
The special relationship between the two nations was exemplified by Kuala Lumpur's inclusion of two Chinese-speaking Indonesian officials in the Malaysian initiative to normalise relations with the People's Republic of China in 1972.
However, the relationship is not without setbacks.
Malaysian industries are largely dependent on foreign workers, particularly from Indonesia.
On July 13, 2022, Jakarta froze the sending of Indonesian workers to Malaysia, citing a breach in a recruitment deal between the two countries.
The decision was a blow to every industry.
Thankfully, the restriction was lifted in August.
I am keen to observe to what extent unresolved bilateral issues could impact our country's security and sovereignty.
The development of Nusantara as Indonesia's new capital raises several strategic concerns. There is an urgent need to upgrade security facilities at the countries' borders.
The new capital city will produce economic benefits. But trans-border crimes such as smuggling, piracy and human trafficking may increase in years to come.
Both governments must ensure land, air and sea connectivity leaves no room for such crimes.
Territorial matters have always been thorny issues.
To encourage peaceful coexistence, a dispute is sometimes best left alone until a feasible mechanism comes along.
The relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia is becoming stronger under Anwar's leadership.
But issues must not remain unaddressed.
The prime minister needs to chart the nation's foreign policy like the Malay proverb, "ibarat menarik rambut dalam tepung"; he should always be tactful but remain firm in defending the national interest.
* The writer is a doctoral candidate at the Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
