Borders, maids and Proton on Jokowi's agenda
The recent sinking of a Malaysian fishing vessel by Indonesia recently is likely on the cards for discussion between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak with borders being part of the agenda.
The recent sinking of a Malaysian fishing vessel by Indonesia recently is likely on the cards for discussion between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak with borders being part of the agenda.
Another thorny topic on the table for the president’s Feb 5-7 visit is the unresolved issue of Indonesian domestic workers in Malaysia, Indonesian deputy ambassador to Malaysia Hermono told Malaysiakini.
“The discussion will largely be on the economy but several issues like migrant workers and the border will get attention. These three issues will be the focus,” he said.
Discussion will be on maritime borders at the Malacca Straits, Celebes Sea and South China Sea, he said.
The president will also discuss ways to simplify transfer of workers from Indonesia to Malaysia, he said.
The agenda is not set in stone, the deputy ambassador said, because this is Jokowi’s first visit to Malaysia since he was sworn in in November 2013.
He is nevertheless scheduled to visit the Proton factory in Shah Alam as part of the republic’s plan to produce cars based on Proton’s technology.
Hermono hopes that the visit will strengthen bi-lateral ties so recurring issues can be resolved.
Jokowi arrived in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon and was greeted by Najib, his wife Rosmah Mansor and members of the cabinet.
Pivotal visit
The visit is seen a pivotal to resolve issues plaguing the neighbouring nations, underscored by the ongoing furor over an Malaysian firm advertisement deemed demeaning to Indonesian domestic workers.
The advertisement for a robot vacuum cleaner featured the slogan ‘Fire your Indonesian maid now’, prompting Indonesia’s Kuala Lumpur embassy to protest the matter.
Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who succeeded Jokowi, slammed the advertisement as “insolent” ( kurang ajar ), while Indonesian NGO Migrant Care urged Jokowi to use the visit to flex Indonesia’s muscles on migrant worker rights.
Basuki, better known as Ahok, was deputy governor when Jokowi was Jakarta governor.
Malaysia has at least two million migrant workers in blue collar positions, mostly from Indonesia.
Last month, Malaysia deported 50,000 Indonesian migrant workers without permits.
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