As neighboring nations bound by deep historical, cultural and economic ties, both countries must manage their diplomatic interactions with prudence and foresight.

Tensions have flared repeatedly over border disputes, migrant worker issues and trade friction, but these quirks should not overshadow the greater strategic interests that Indonesia and Malaysia share.

President Prabowo Subianto’s recent call for a special diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia, perhaps akin to the one enjoyed by the United States and the United Kingdom, is both timely and necessary.

Unlike other ASEAN nations that maintain cordial but formal relations, Indonesia and Malaysia have a unique foundation that should be leveraged for deeper collaboration. It extends beyond mere diplomacy—our intertwined histories, shared language and cultural affinities make a stronger partnership not only logical but inevitable.

Economically, Indonesia and Malaysia are the twin pillars of the global palm oil industry, accounting for about 85 percent of the world’s supply.

As both nations face increasing scrutiny from Western markets over environmental and labor concerns, a united front in lobbying international trade bodies and pushing for fairer regulations would serve both economies well.

Beyond economics, both nations are crucial players in ASEAN and the broader Global South.

As the geopolitical environment grows increasingly complex, a strong Indonesia-Malaysia axis could provide much-needed leadership within the region. Their collective voice on issues such as climate change, economic development and security could strengthen ASEAN’s role in global affairs, ensuring that Southeast Asia remains a key player rather than a passive observer in international decision-making.

It would have been a nice gesture if Malaysia also turned to Indonesia to advise its chairmanship of ASEAN.

Security cooperation is another critical pillar of the bilateral relationship. The Malacca Strait remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, making it a vital economic lifeline for both countries. Ensuring maritime security against piracy and illicit activities requires close coordination, particularly as the region continues to reel from the sinister effects of human and drug trafficking rings.

And while Indonesia and Malaysia have had disagreements over maritime boundaries, these must be managed carefully to prevent disputes from escalating into serious diplomatic rifts.

At the heart of the bilateral relationship is the fate of millions of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. The mistreatment and exploitation of Indonesian laborers has long been a source of friction. The recent shooting is not an isolated event—over the past two decades, there have been 75 documented cases of Indonesian workers being shot by Malaysian authorities.

The Indonesian government must take a firmer stance in demanding accountability while also working with Malaysia to establish clearer legal pathways for migrant employment. Regulating the status of undocumented workers would benefit both countries by reducing human trafficking and labor rights violations.

It is also worth noting that President Prabowo’s affinity for Malaysia runs deeper than mere diplomatic rhetoric. Having spent part of his childhood there because of his father’s political exile, he has a personal understanding of the country and its people. This unique background could influence his approach to Indonesia-Malaysia relations, making him more inclined to pursue lasting agreements that go beyond short-term diplomatic fixes.

For too long, the relationship between these two countries has been shaped by reactive diplomacy—crisis management rather than proactive collaboration. This must change. A special relationship should not be just a slogan but a framework for sustained engagement, built on mutual respect and long-term strategic vision.

The path forward lies in embracing our shared destinies. By moving beyond past grievances and focusing on common goals, Indonesia and Malaysia can forge a relationship that strengthens ASEAN, enhances economic resilience and ensures peace and prosperity for both their peoples.

A future of greater cooperation is not just desirable, but also necessary.