KUCHING: The 1966 Malaysia-Indonesia Peace Agreement transformed former adversaries into partners, proving that even deep differences can be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the agreement, signed on August 11, 1966, brought the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, or Konfrontasi, to an end and restored normal relations between the two neighbouring nations.
“The most important lesson is how the conflict ended – through dialogue, diplomacy, sincerity and the willingness of neighbouring nations to seek common ground,” he said when officiating the 60th Anniversary of the Malaysia-Indonesia Peace Agreement 1966 at War Memorial Square, Institute of Teacher Education (ITE) Batu Lintang Campus here today.
He said the greatest victory of peace was demonstrated by the ability of former adversaries to become partners and neighbours to become friends.
Over the past six decades, Abdul Karim said Malaysia and Indonesia had transformed a difficult chapter in their shared history into a relationship built on cooperation and mutual respect.
The two countries now cooperate in areas ranging from trade and tourism to education, culture, security and people-to-people relations.
In Borneo, he said, ties between communities on both sides of the border remained particularly strong through shared traditions, cultural heritage, family connections, and ways of life.
“Our border may divide our countries, but they do not erase the connection between our people,” he said.
He also highlighted present-day cooperation between Sarawak and Indonesia, including electricity exports to West Kalimantan and Sarawak’s assistance in supplying oxygen to the neighbouring Indonesian province during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abdul Karim also paid tribute to Malaysian and foreign servicemen, including those from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Gurkha Rifles, who served in Borneo during the Confrontation.
He thanked the veterans and their families, saying their presence was a reminder of the sacrifices made during a difficult period in the region’s history.
“Yesterday, we served during difficult times. Today, we stand together in friendship. And tomorrow, we look forward in peace,” he added.
