Malaysia’s NRES minister clarifies that recent border agreement with Indonesia did not involve any land compensation or handover, refuting media claims.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability has refuted media reports claiming Malaysia handed over 5,207 hectares of land to Indonesia.
Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup stated the settlement of the land boundary issue was not based on principles of reciprocity or compensation.
He said negotiations on the Outstanding Boundary Problem areas were conducted harmoniously in line with international law.
The finalisation was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding on February 18, 2025, after over 45 years of technical talks.
“The desire of Malaysia and Indonesia to expedite the resolution of land boundary issues for the Sabah-North Kalimantan sector was agreed upon during former Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s state visit to Malaysia on June 8, 2023,” he said in a statement.
Arthur added that scientific measurements were carried out based on previous agreements to ensure a clear boundary line.
He stated every adjustment was based on international law and precise geospatial coordinates, not political concessions.
“The final determination of the border will strengthen the country’s legal position at the international level and close any loopholes for larger territorial claims in the future,” he said.
He described the decision as a strategic move to ensure Malaysia’s sovereignty is fully recognised.
Both countries continue to adopt a diplomatic approach through ongoing negotiations grounded in goodwill and friendship.
Recent media reports had claimed three villages in Nunukan, North Kalimantan, had moved to Malaysia.
The reports also alleged Indonesia was gaining an additional area of 5,207 hectares from Malaysia. – Bernama
