Indonesia and Malaysia Agree on Strategic Border Infrastructure Development Agenda

Indonesia and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in border region development through the 40th SOSEK MALINDO Conference in Langkawi, Malaysia (November 18–19, 2025). The focus of the discussions was on enhancing connectivity, security management, and strengthening socio-economic aspects in border areas. SOSEK MALINDO is a bilateral cooperation forum between Indonesia and Malaysia in the socio-economic field since 1985. The Indonesian and Malaysian governments consolidated their commitment to cross-border development cooperation at the SOSEK MALINDO Conference in Langkawi, Malaysia, held on November 18–19, 2025. The meeting addressed increased connectivity, security management, and strengthening socio-economic aspects in the border regions of both countries. SOSEK MALINDO stands for Malaysia-Indonesia Socio-Economic, representing bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia in the socio-economic field, particularly for the development and management of both countries’ border regions, since 1985. In the opening session, Dr. Safrizal ZA, the Director-General of Regional Administration Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs together with the Malaysian delegation leader, Badrul Shah bin Mohd Idris from the National Security Council, emphasized the importance of the over four-decade-long cooperation between the two countries. Safrizal referred to this collaboration as evidence of both countries’ strong commitment to developing the border regions. ‘Despite achieving numerous milestones, several agenda items require greater alignment of perceptions and more intensive coordination, particularly regarding legal frameworks and agreement implementation at the regional level,’ Safrizal added.