The Malaysia Club, Jakarta would like to invite all Malaysians to exercise caution in their daily activities, considering issues that have lately arisen in the media, including Tari Pendet. (please see ‘Information Release on Tari Pendet’).

For those of you who have lived in Indonesia for a long time, or a part of family here, you will know that, off and on in the Malaysia/Indonesia relationship, problems do arise. They may be on a government to government basis and/or between associations and people. They may be due to misunderstandings or facts taken out of context. Alerts, such as this one, may be issued. But above all, the problems are always solved. Nobody gains from long term conflict.

We all know that Indonesia and Malaysia are historically related in fundamental ways, through language and many other cultural aspects. ‘Rumpun negara’ is not just an empty phrase. Migration within the Nusantara has been going on for many centuries. We share so much.

However, there are modern realities or concerns to contend with. These now typically include territorial borders, migrant workers, culture, and terrorism.

Certainly, the media has a role to play in how we understand these concerns and how we form our perceptions of one another. However, to stereotype the media (actually different media owners, editors and reporters), as to stereotype countries, is not helpful for ongoing good relations.

The Malaysia Club Jakarta and Business Club of Malaysia are now working on short and long term plans to help maintain good relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, with respect to social, business, government sectors and the media. This will involve working with the Malaysian and Indonesian private and public sectors, as well as on-going groundwork and strategic communications with key groups including employers, employees and the general public. The MCJ is here to help build strong bonds between Malaysians, Indonesians and other nationalities.

FYI, we have now introduced a new ‘Friends of MCJ’ category of membership so as to invite more Indonesian friends and colleagues, as well as those of other nationalities, to be members of MCJ. We invite all to join as members and tell us your thoughts and ideas: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Finally, we take this opportunity to invite you and your friends to the BERBUKA PUASA on 8 September at Penang Bistro! Selamat berpuasa to our Muslim friends and best wishes to all,

The MCJ EXCO

3 September, 2009

This release is for distribution to all members and friends of the Malaysia Club Jakarta and Malaysia Business Club. For more information, please write to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

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