JAKARTA: The ties between Malaysia and Indonesia is expected to be further boosted with top Malaysian companies showing keen interest to be involved in the development of the republic’s planned new capital Nusantara located in Kalimantan.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the handover ceremony of 11 Letters of Interest (LOI) from these Malaysian firms which are interested to be part of Nusantara’s development.
The ceremony saw the participation of 10 Malaysian companies such as Berjaya Corporation, Tenaga Nasional, Pharmaniaga, Alliance MEP (Sarawak), Boustead Properties, and Carsome.
Also present at the event were International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Berjaya Corporation founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan and other heads of agencies.
Tengku Zafrul told reporters that Malaysia was among the first countries to have expressed its interest to be involved in the development of Nusantara through the LOI specifically.
“These companies have built their expertise and credentials in areas such as automotive, manufacturing of industrial goods, waste management, smart city technology, housing, healthcare, utilities, and renewable energy,” he said.
Asked when these Malaysian firms could be part of the development of Nusantara, which is scheduled to be inaugurated in 2024, Tengku Zaful said firms involved in the LOI are expected to initiate their projects within the same time frame.
At yesterday’s event, nine MOUs, estimated to involve RM1.66bil, were signed as well.
This included a business cooperation between Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad and Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia (Indonesia Eximbank), which is aimed at forging closer coordination as well.
FGV Holdings also signed an MOU with Indonesia’s PT Perkebunan Nusantara Indonesia (PTPN), with the purpose of enhancing added value for both parties and subsidiaries as well as their business units for mutual benefits.
Also signed was a deal between Citaglobal Berhad and Indonesia Battery Corporation, which is aimed at exploring the possibility of cooperation in the development of a battery manufacturing plant and battery energy storage system.
Anwar later met with the Malaysian diaspora during an event at the Malaysian Embassy here.
The Prime Minister accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, arrived in Jakarta at 1.57pm yesterday for his first two-day official overseas visit, which is focused on strengthening bilateral and business relations between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
At the airport, Anwar was welcomed by Indonesia’s Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono and Indonesian Ambassador Hermono.
Anwar will meet his counterpart Indonesian President Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, today.
The two leaders are expected to discuss areas of mutual interest and benefits, including investment potential, manpower, border and security issues affecting both sides of the border.
Anwar will receive an official welcoming ceremony at National Palace in Bogor.
The welcoming ceremony will be followed by the singing of Negaraku and the Indonesian national anthem Indonesia Raya, a 21-gun salute, as well as an inspection of troops.
Following that, the two leaders will head to the palace’s Teratai Room for a photo session and guest book signing.
There will be a tete-a-tete meeting on the veranda of the palace, known as the Veranda Talk.
The Veranda Talk denotes an intimate conversation between the Indonesian president and his guests who are considered close and important in terms of relations.
Anwar will also be planting a Merawan tree in the vicinity of the palace.
He is also scheduled to deliver a public lecture on “Malaysia-Indonesia Strategic Relationship”.
