JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Istana Merdeka in Jakarta on March 27 for roughly two hours, Anwar’s first visit to the Indonesian capital this year. 

The visit was at Prabowo’s invitation following a phone call between the two leaders on March 23. The meeting commenced at 4.30pm local time, and Prabowo accompanied Anwar personally to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport on his departure at around 7.15pm. 

“The meaningful meeting with President Prabowo today opened constructive space to find common ground in addressing the West Asia conflict,” PM Anwar said, as quoted by Malaysia’s state-owned agency Bernama.

Anwar said both countries agreed to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, protect civilian lives, and open space for negotiations towards a peaceful and lasting resolution. He added that the conflict “is now putting pressure on global energy security and economic stability.”

The two leaders had held five high-level exchanges in 2025, including the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation, held on July 29 in Jakarta. It was the first of such a meeting between the two leaders since the mechanism was last convened in 2017.  

The annual consultation alternates between the two capitals, meaning the 14th edition is due in Malaysia.

After the US attack on Iran in late February, Malaysia strongly condemned the attacks and the retaliatory strikes on several West Asian countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, calling them violations of international law and sovereignty.

Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysia’s central bank, said the country is still in a “position of strength” to handle the impact of the West Asia conflict, with domestic demand expected to keep supporting growth. Malaysia’s economy is projected to grow 4%–5% in 2026, with inflation expected to average 1.5%–2.5%, the central bank mentions in its annual report released on March 31. 

Data shows 63.9% of Malaysian firms expect disruptions from the conflict, including higher shipping costs and delays according to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).