JAKARTA, April 21 – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi paid a courtesy call on Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Monday, where they discussed several important issues, including halal matters, labour concerns, the welfare of fishermen, regional developments, and the ongoing situation in Palestine.
Ahmad Zahid’s productive 45-minute meeting with Gibran at the Vice Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta was also attended by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin.
Regarding halal matters, the two leaders discussed opportunities for collaboration in the US$1.3 trillion halal sector, as well as challenges that could be tackled jointly. These included the mutual recognition of halal certificates issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Indonesian Ulema Council.
“We will coordinate and engage in detailed discussions not only regarding the production of halal products but also on marketing strategies,” he said at a press conference after the meeting.
The two countries also agreed to enhance the process of sending workers from Indonesia to Malaysia through the One Channel System and to address the management of fishermen who encroach on territorial waters, as outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed in 2012.
