Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak (L) and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo 
Speaking at a joint press conference in Jakarta on August 1, Najib said that both of the leaders acknowledged that “a bit of progress” has been made, as reported by their envoys. However, “it is still too far from any comprehensive solution,” he noted.Therefore, the two envoys will be given a fresh mandate to resolve the claims which can be accepted by both countries as soon as possible, he added. Regarding the kidnapping cases of Indonesians and Malaysians in the Sulu sea by the Philippine-based Abu Sayyaf group, Najib said both leaders expressed concern and wanted a trilateral approach to stop the abductions. Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have agreed to tackle the problem by conducting joint patrols in the affected maritime area. However, details of how the joint patrols should be conducted are still being ironed out, he stated. 

The Malaysian Prime Minister is in Jakarta for the 11th annual leaders’ consultation between Malaysia and Indonesia.