Malaysia and Indonesia Deepen Rural Development Cooperation Across Eight Areas

Malaysia and Indonesia have strengthened cooperation on rural development through a new Memorandum of Understanding covering eight key areas, including digitalisation, entrepreneurship, eco-tourism, agro-tourism, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and poverty reduction.

Malaysia, Indonesia Expand Rural Development Partnership

The agreement was signed in Jakarta by Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for Malaysia, while Indonesia was represented by its Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Yandri Susanto.

The cooperation also covers capacity building in rural management and the development of rural enterprises.

Both countries intend to translate the agreement into practical programmes through a technical team comprising officials from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Zahid also invited Susanto to Malaysia to observe the country’s rural development initiatives and exchange experiences that could benefit communities in both countries.

The partnership places greater emphasis on strengthening rural economies, developing youth skills and expanding digital opportunities.

Areas such as tourism, entrepreneurship and TVET could also provide new avenues for rural communities to develop businesses and improve employment prospects.