Early talks limit Ambalat discussion at Indonesia-Malaysia meeting

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian and Malaysian governments did not explicitly discuss their co-development plan for the disputed Ambalat Sea block during their 13th Annual Consultation in Jakarta on Tuesday, as talks are still in the exploratory phase.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono shared this information after accompanying President Prabowo Subianto to a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Merdeka Palace.

"The truth is that we are still in the stage of exploratory talks. Hence, there is still a long way to go (for the plan)," he told the media.

According to the minister, both Indonesia and Malaysia, in principle, acknowledge the importance of collaboration to fully tap into the potential and resources of the maritime area, which lies near Indonesia's North Kalimantan and Malaysia's Sabah.

Sugiono emphasized that both countries continue to hold intensive discussions regarding the co-development plan, noting that relevant ministries will follow up on more technical aspects.

However, the minister stressed that he cannot disclose further details as the plan and associated talks remain in an initial stage.

President Prabowo and Prime Minister Anwar first brought up the opportunity for their countries to jointly capitalize on the Ambalat sea block during their previous bilateral meeting at the same palace on June 27 this year.

During a post-meeting joint press conference, the president highlighted that Indonesia and Malaysia are aligned on the importance of advancing economic collaboration without waiting for a final resolution of territorial disputes, including over the sea block.

“In the case of Ambalat, we are aiming to establish economic cooperation under a joint development scheme while awaiting legal resolution,” Prabowo remarked.

The prime minister echoed this sentiment, noting that legal resolution may take years but should not hinder progress in other areas.

“As mentioned earlier, we can cooperate in the Ambalat area through a joint development initiative,” Anwar said. “It may take up to two decades to reach a legal settlement,” he added.