MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA NEED TO OVERCOME DIFFERENCES

JAKARTA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Indonesia need to find a
comprehensive solution to overcome differences that can affect bilateral ties.

Indonesian Foreign Ministry's Asean director-general Djauhari Oratmangun
said the people and governments of both countries should refrain from negative
acts that could raise tension.

"Don't let the differences entrap us. We have to find ways to strengthen and
unite," he told Bernama at a workshop on EU-Asean ties for Asean journalists
here Friday.

Djauhari said Malaysians and Indonesians should not harp on negative
incidents that were of no benefit.

He described the long established Malaysia-Indonesia ties as something
special that could not be damaged by negative acts.

"Within the bilateral contact, we need to resolve whatever issues we are
facing rather than delaying it further as agreed by our leaders during the phone
conversation on the first day of Aidilfitri," he said.


On Sept 10, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and President Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono agreed that both countries needed a better mechanism to ensure
that incidents which could jeopardise bilateral ties would not recur.

Djauhari also stressed on the important of stepping up efforts on
people-to-people interaction.

"Probably we should look into more cultural and student exchange programmes
which have been lacking of late," he said.

On Indonesia's role in the integration of the Asean population by 2015 just
like EU, he said Indonesia was committed to make it a reality.

"We are committed to bring the aspiration of Asean leaders to its people. In
Indonesia, we are going to have roadshows to explain what is Asean community and
how they can benefit from it.

"We should engage ourselves (Asean) with its people and at the same time
seek political commitment from our leaders," added Djauhari.