Malaysia And Indonesia Could Explore Greater Complementarity To Strengthen Their Relationship, Similar To That Of Siblings

By Nor Baizura Basri

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- A lot of complementarities between Malaysia and Indonesia could be further explored in bilateral trade, despite competing in the same palm oil market, but should strengthen the relationship akin to siblings, said Indonesia Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

She said Indonesia, for example, has been working rigorously to clean up many of the images, distortions, and negativity regarding palm oil management.

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In an exclusive interview with Bernama today, the former chief of the World Bank stated that, given the challenging economic environment, both countries should strengthen their relationship.

Sri Mulyani acknowledged that Malaysia has more experience and is more advanced in palm oil investments, which could be beneficial for collaboration.

“Indonesia and Malaysia naturally should be closer, but sometimes, just like siblings, you have a certain rivalry, but it should not be seen as something which is hampering or creating an obstacle to cooperation.

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“Malaysia and Indonesia can demonstrate that palm oil is a sustainable economic activity on a global scale. We (Indonesia) (for example) are working to coordinate this collaboration among our agencies, particularly in relation to the European market. This market often stigmatises us concerning deforestation and our image related to palm oil’s health effects.

"Both countries should work closely and stronger because if we work individually, the result is going to be less effective,” she said in response to a question about how Malaysia and Indonesia could enhance bilateral trade, particularly in palm oil.

The two countries are the leading global palm oil producers with Indonesia being the largest followed by Malaysia, commanding about 80 per cent of the market.

Apart from palm oil, Sri Mulyani said Indonesia is also looking at Malaysia's shariah-compliant finance, which has advanced infrastructure.

"We are also looking at the halal industry. So, there are a lot of things that I could think for the two countries that have lots of potential,” she said.

Total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Indonesia last year recorded RM116.29 billion (US$25.5 billion), an increase of 4.5 per cent from RM111.21 billion (US$24.39 billion) in 2023.

Indonesia was Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner globally and the second-largest among ASEAN member states. 

-- BERNAMA