SHAH ALAM, Sept 2 — The riots that broke out in Indonesia on August 25 are not only impacting the country, but somehow strengthening its bilateral ties with Malaysia.
Republika journalist Lida Puspaningtyas, 36, said the crisis has catalysed shows of solidarity from Malaysians, with some ordering food online for Grab and Gojek riders in Jakarta.
“Students in Malaysia have also staged demonstrations demanding the release of arrested Indonesian students. We consider that emotional support that empowers both nations’ solidarity,” she said when contacted by Media Selangor today.
Lida said the demonstrations stem from domestic issues including dissatisfaction with leaders, and political, social and justice issues.
“It hasn’t directly affected foreign investors, including those from Malaysia,” she added.
However, she acknowledged slight impacts on the investment climate, such as the declining IDX Composite and buying power perception, but said these are temporary and will not affect long-term investment.
Indonesian media also consider Malaysia’s coverage as positive as it airs Indonesians’ concerns and aspirations.
“Reports from Malaysia, to some extent, help voice the people’s demands of the People’s Representatives’ Council, rulers, Indonesian National Army, and related parties,” Lida said.
She also said the travel advisory issued by Malaysia is a reasonable move meant to protect its people, and not a negative action.
She added that leaders must listen to the people’s aspirations as the demonstrations were due to Indonesians’ voices going unheard.
“The political, economic and social stability of a country must be rooted in its people. In this matter, both countries could actually learn from each other, especially about how the government should listen to its people in the first place so crises can be avoided,” Lida said.
In the context of development, Indonesia has made an example of Malaysia, especially in the economic aspect.
“We see that Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is still smaller than Malaysia’s, which is one of our demands of our leaders,” Lida said.
