MALAYSIA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto expressed his deep emotional ties with Malaysia, attributing his strong connection to the country to the time he spent during his childhood there.Speaking at a press conference after a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on January 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Prabowo shared that his family had lived and studied in Malaysia, forming close relationships with key figures in Malaysia’s history, such as Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak.

Prabowo noted that his family’s longstanding emotional bond with Malaysia went beyond business and politics.

“My family was very close to the founding fathers of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Razak. We have a deep emotional connection with Malaysia,” he said.

This connection was further emphasized by his longstanding friendship with Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVII Sultan Ibrahim, which dates back 45 years, starting from when both studied together in the United States.

The President recounted that his relationship with Sultan Ibrahim began in their youth when they attended school in America, stating, “Our relationship is very old, probably 45 years. We both studied together in the U.S. when I was still very young and thin.” This bond has remained strong over the decades, reflecting the deep ties between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Although Prabowo frequently visits Malaysia, he acknowledged that his current role as President makes travel more difficult due to heightened security protocols.

“After becoming president, it’s not as easy to visit Malaysia as it used to be. There are now many protocols and escorts. I apologize if this causes inconvenience for the staff,” he joked.

Prabowo further emphasized the significance of the Indonesia-Malaysia relationship, which he described as deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and even family ties.

He pointed out that many Malaysian leaders still have family members in Indonesia, underlining the long-standing personal connections between the two nations.

“The relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia is based on historical, cultural, and ethnic connections. There are many familial ties. This should make the relationship between our two countries even more special,” Prabowo said, reinforcing the importance of fostering a unique bond between the nations.

The President’s comments came during his state visit to Malaysia, which further highlighted the strength of bilateral ties. The deep personal and emotional connections between the two countries’ leaders are seen as an important factor in strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties in the future.

Prabowo’s remarks underscore the potential for even greater collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia, building on their shared history and enduring friendships. His visit marks an important chapter in the ongoing partnership between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. (Uki Ruknuddin)