Sulawesi Sea issue not discussed in detail during Jakarta visit, says Hajiji

Summary

• Sulawesi Sea maritime zone dispute not discussed in detail during Jakarta visit, Hajiji says.

• Sabah CM says related matters still being refined, spelling good things for the state.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said the issue of the disputed Sulawesi Sea maritime zone was not discussed in detail during a recent official visit to Indonesia.

“We have already stated the state government’s stance and that meeting’s discussion was very positive,” he told reporters following his return from the two-day trip to Jakarta, which included Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg.

“So, the related matters are still being refined, and it’s very good for the state of Sabah. That’s all I can say for now,” he said after attending a signing ceremony involving Kota Kinabalu City Hall and a private company.

Hajiji and Abang Johari were part of Malaysia’s delegation accompanying Anwar for the 13th Annual Malaysia–Indonesia Consultation yesterday.

When asked whether the Sulawesi Sea issue - a long-standing maritime boundary dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia - was raised, Hajiji replied: “Not yet.”

“That will be discussed based on international law. So, there’s nothing yet,” he said, while also urging that the matter not be politicised locally.

Discussed ‘in general terms’

In the Dewan Rakyat today, Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin confirmed that the Sulawesi Sea issue was only discussed in general terms at the meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

“It is true that the Sulawesi Sea issue was raised, but only in general terms.

“The leaders agreed that the matter should be resolved through existing mechanisms, in pursuit of the best solution based on international law, and to safeguard the sovereignty and interests of both countries,” he said in response to Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan).

Mohamad added that Hajiji’s participation in the consultation was not solely to discuss maritime issues.

“The Sabah chief minister’s presence at the annual consultation was not solely to discuss maritime matters, but also to address issues concerning Indonesia’s interests in Sabah - especially regarding access to education through community learning centres - which require support.

“The discussion also touched on border trade between Sabah and Indonesia, as well as land boundary matters,” he said.

Overlapping claims

Last month, Anwar proposed that Malaysia and Indonesia proceed with joint development of the disputed maritime zone without waiting for a legal resolution, drawing criticism from Sabah leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey Kitingan, who said the state was not consulted.

The maritime block, believed to be rich in oil and gas, is subject to overlapping claims by Malaysia and Indonesia in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah and North Kalimantan.

Located near Sabah’s Pulau Sipadan and Ligitan - awarded to Malaysia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2002 - the block is considered by Malaysia to fall within Sabah’s maritime zone.

In August 2023, the Foreign Ministry clarified that the Sulawesi Sea Treaty signed on June 8 did not include Ambalat, following claims by a Sabah opposition leader that the area had been surrendered to Indonesia.

Mohamad previously confirmed that the block was excluded from the treaty, which addressed other maritime boundaries and remains confidential.

He added that the agreement was signed during the visit of then-Indonesian president Joko Widodo and involved the Sabah government.

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