The Malaysia–Indonesia Trade and Political Networking Programme, jointly organised by the MCA Economic and SMEs Affairs Committee together with the MCA Selangor State Liaison Committee, continued today with courtesy calls on two Indonesian ministers and one local association.

Courtesy Visit to the Indonesian Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers

This morning, the delegation led by Datuk Ir. Lawrence Low, MCA Vice President and MCA Economic and SMEs Affairs Committee Chairman, paid a courtesy visit to Drs Mukhtarudin, Indonesia’s Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers.

According to Minister Mukhtarudin, Malaysia–Indonesia relations remain strong, extending beyond cooperation to reflect close and fraternal ties. He expressed hope that this relationship would continue to be strengthened for the benefit of the people of both countries.

“Thank you to Malaysian employers and citizens for welcoming Indonesian workers to Malaysia. We will also continue to enhance the quality of our workforce,” he said.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Dwi Setiawan Susanto, Director General for the Promotion and Utilisation of Overseas Employment Opportunities, and Dr Dwiyono, Secretary General of the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers.

Following the discussion, both sides agreed to establish a joint task force to further discuss matters related to foreign workers. Beyond the plantation sector, Mukhtarudin also expressed commitment to increasing the placement of skilled and professional Indonesian workers across various industries.

During the meeting, Datuk Ir. Lawrence Low introduced two higher education institutions and one vocational institute established by MCA, namely UTAR, TAR UMT and VTAR Institute.

“We hope that through VTAR Institute, which focuses on skills development, both sides can forge meaningful cooperation that benefits the people of Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said, adding that Mr Soon Mon Huay, VTAR Institute Chairman, was among the delegation members present.

On political cooperation between MCA and Partai Golkar, Datuk Ir. Lawrence Low noted that the matter would be conveyed to MCA President Datuk Seri Ir. Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Courtesy Visit to the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment

The delegation subsequently paid a courtesy call to Drs Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Coordinating Minister for People’s Empowerment of Indonesia.

Drs Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, who is also Chairman of Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa, expressed interest in establishing political cooperation with MCA. PKB, with a membership of approximately 16 million, also indicated interest in collaboration in the medical sector following a briefing on UTAR Hospital, as well as in skills education through VTAR Institute.

Engagement with the Federation of Hokkien Associations in Indonesia

The delegation’s schedule concluded with a meeting with the Federation of Hokkien Associations Indonesia, hosted by its President, Mr Didi Dawis.

Held over a dinner session, the engagement provided a platform for both sides to exchange views and explore potential business and investment opportunities. Discussions focused on high value sectors such as artificial intelligence, industrial automation, talent development, as well as opportunities in agriculture and food security. These initiatives are expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties, create opportunities for SMEs and support regional workforce development.

“This engagement serves as a catalyst for stronger and more competitive economic cooperation within the ASEAN region,” said Datuk Ir. Lawrence Low.

Among others, the MCA delegation and Malaysian entrepreneurs also introduced Matang Berhad, which is involved in sectors including oil palm plantations, Musang King durian cultivation, healthcare products, logistics, skills development, artificial intelligence, the food and beverage industry, manufacturing and industrial engineering projects.

22 April 2026

-MCA Comm-