Penang, Malaysia — Indonesia’s National Border Management Agency (BNPP RI) is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation during the 18th Meeting of the Malaysia–Indonesia Socioeconomic Joint Secretariat (Sosek Malindo), held from July 20 to 23, 2025, in Penang, Malaysia.
The forum brought together various ministries, agencies, and regional governments from both countries to discuss key strategic issues in socio-cultural affairs, economic cooperation, security, and border management.
BNPP Secretary Commissioner General Makhruzi Rahman emphasized the significance of the meeting in advancing ongoing bilateral commitments, particularly those that facilitate smooth and safe cross-border activities for local communities.
“BNPP encourages all agreements to be followed up with concrete, measurable technical actions on the ground so that their benefits are directly felt by border communities,” said Commissioner General Makhruzi Rahman.
One of the forum’s major outcomes was the agreement between Indonesian and Malaysian delegates to form a technical team tasked with drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the repatriation and management of deceased individuals across border areas.
This initiative was deemed urgent to ensure humanitarian services are handled in an orderly and legally compliant manner. An initial draft of the SOP has been prepared by the Indonesian side and will undergo further review at the regional level before being submitted for national-level discussion.
Economic, trade, and transportation issues were also high on the agenda. Indonesia informed the forum that, under new regulations from the Ministry of Transportation, Pontianak and Pekanbaru airports have regained their status as international gateways.
Additionally, the opening of Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) sea routes between Dumai–Melaka and Batam–Johor was discussed as part of efforts to strengthen maritime connectivity. Indonesia is currently drafting ground transport regulations that will support the full implementation of these sea routes.
Environmental and security concerns also took center stage, particularly the recurring flooding of the Sembakung River in North Kalimantan. The Indonesian provincial government of North Kalimantan has prepared a terms of reference and proposed forming a joint technical team with the state of Sabah to address the issue.
BNPP stressed that cross-border environmental challenges like this should be prioritized due to their direct impact on the well-being of local communities.
Improving border infrastructure remains a strategic priority. Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to expedite the opening of the Temajuk Border Crossing Post (PLB) in West Kalimantan, which is targeted to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
This project aims not only to enhance mobility but also to develop the area into a premier tourism destination connecting Temajuk with Telok Melano in Sarawak.
The forum also discussed in detail the designation of Serudong–Sei Manggaris at point A708 as an official entry point, as well as progress on cross-border operational plans at Sei Kelik.
Both countries agreed to explore these matters further through the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) as mandated by the 2023 Border Crossing Agreement (BCA). Indonesia noted that the ratification process for the BCA is underway and is expected to serve as the primary legal framework for future cross-border activities.
In addition, revisions to the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Sosek Malindo partnership were discussed, aiming to strengthen expert involvement, expand membership structures, and widen the scope of cooperation.
BNPP urged for active coordination throughout the revision process, including through virtual communications, to ensure outcomes are comprehensive and responsive to current regional dynamics.
The forum also highlighted the importance of cross-sector synergy in tourism and healthcare. Both parties agreed to promote cross-border tourism through the Jiran Istimewa (JIWA) platform and to explore medical tourism opportunities through collaboration between clinics and hospitals in Indonesia and Malaysia.
“We hope that all agreements reached during this forum will be swiftly translated into actionable programs at technical and regional levels, making our bilateral border cooperation more concrete and impactful for the communities involved,” Commissioner General Makhruzi Rahman concluded.
The regional-level Sosek Malindo forum is scheduled to take place before the National-Level Meeting planned for late October or early November 2025 in Langkawi, Malaysia. BNPP remains committed to enhancing institutional and international coordination to realize safe, productive, and prosperous border areas.
(BNPP RI)
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