JAKARTA: The Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia Indonesia (ISWAMI) praised the strong relationship between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian leaders during his one-year leadership.

ISWAMI Indonesia President Asro Kamal Rokan, in an article titled ‘One Year of PM Anwar, Close Friend of Indonesia’ (Setahun PM Anwar Sahabat Erat Indonesia) published by Antara, also emphasised the importance of media freedom as stated by Anwar in Ipoh, Perak, last May.

According to Asro, Anwar’s relationship in Indonesia and friendship with national figures as well as support from influential figures including former president BJ Habibie have previously contributed to this positive relationship.

During Anwar’s appointment as prime minister almost a year ago, he was welcomed not only in Malaysia but also in Indonesia, where Indonesian national figures considered it as the ‘appointment of a friend’.

“Not surprisingly, when PM Anwar made his first official state visit to Indonesia on January 9, he was specially welcomed by President Joko Widodo at the Bogor Palace, including with a cavalry unit,“ explains Asro.

During the meeting with Jokowi, Anwar conveyed, “My relationship is not just an ordinary diplomatic relationship. Indonesia holds a special place in my heart.”

Following that state event, hundreds of Indonesian national figures gathered at the Bank Mega Tower in Jakarta for the CT Corp Leadership Forum hosted by prominent Indonesian businessman Chairul Tanjung.

Anwar, the sole speaker, attracted many democracy activists, anti-corruption advocates, human rights activists, and local senior journalists to hear his speech.

“The atmosphere of the event felt like a reunion. Anwar became a magnet and a great speaker, captivating the audience with his fluent Indonesian. Applause echoed with every modulation of his voice,“ he writes.

Anwar spoke about addressing the economic instability due to COVID-19 and emphasised the importance of demonstrating humility, avoiding the use of power for personal enrichment, and maintaining noble values and ethics.

Asro also explained Anwar’s long-standing relationship in Indonesia, including his involvement with national figures since a young age and the establishment of the Southeast Asian Islamic Student Union.

Despite the positive relationship between leaders in both countries, Asro states that the relationship among the people, especially on social media, is not as pleasant.

In Ipoh, Perak, several editors from Jakarta and representatives of ISWAMI, including Asro, met Anwar during the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA).

Anwar delivered good news by emphasising that “the media in Malaysia must be completely free,“ while highlighting that legal action can be taken if it encourages ethnic animosity or narrows down religion to the extent of causing societal unrest.

“We welcome PM Anwar’s statement in Perak expanding media freedom, even though progress may feel slow, and the destination is still not visible. We believe it is only a matter of time,“ writes Asro.

Founded in 2005, ISWAMI aims to foster dynamic relationships between the people of both countries, addressing issues such as border disputes, labor, and socio-cultural matters through information dissemination.

“Congratulations on one year of PM Anwar’s leadership in Malaysia. Insha’Allah, all plans will proceed as expected. May Malaysia and the relationship between the two countries continue to prosper,“ adds Asro.–Bernama