After meeting Xanana Gusmão, Jokowi receives a call from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called former Indonesian President Joko Widodo while Widodo was visiting Penang for the Penang Peace Dialogue.

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This morning, before heading to MAHA 2026, I contacted my longtime friend, who is also the former president of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, who is currently on Penang Island to attend the Penang Peace Dialogue.

Anwar apologized for not meeting Widodo in person because he had a previously scheduled appearance at MAHA 2026, Malaysia’s agriculture, horticulture and agro-tourism exhibition. He was due to meet farmers, livestock breeders, plantation workers and other agricultural communities there.

The two exchanged news in what Anwar described as a warm conversation. He also expressed solidarity with Indonesia over a volcanic disaster and the haze challenges facing the country.

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We exchanged news in a warm atmosphere, and I also conveyed solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Indonesia following the volcanic disaster and the haze challenges they are currently facing.

Anwar said Malaysia and Indonesia were more than neighboring countries. He described them as two related nations bound by shared history, culture and close brotherhood. Positions and responsibilities may change, he said, but friendship and respect would endure.

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Malaysia and Indonesia are not merely neighboring countries, but two related nations bound by history, culture and close brotherhood.

“God willing, this bond will continue to be preserved for the welfare of the people of both countries and the security and prosperity of the region,” Anwar said. A video of Widodo receiving the call circulated on social media. Widodo was in Penang from Saturday to Sunday to deliver a keynote speech at the peace dialogue.

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God willing, this bond will continue to be preserved for the welfare of the people of both countries and the security and prosperity of the region.