Anwar Ibrahim rejects land swap allegations as both nations reaffirm longstanding border agreements
A renewed debate over the Malaysia Indonesia land border has triggered political tensions, prompting leaders on both sides to step in and clarify long standing territorial arrangements rooted in colonial era agreements.
Anwar Dismisses Land Cession Claims
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim firmly rejected claims on Feb 4 that Malaysia had ceded about 5,207 hectares of land to Indonesia as compensation for three villages near the Sabah Kalimantan border. Speaking during a special parliamentary briefing, he described the allegations as untrue and misleading, stressing that Malaysia remains bound by border agreements dating back to 1915.
He said official maps and historical records clearly define the disputed areas, adding that Malaysia has not surrendered any territory. Anwar also warned against politicising sensitive border issues, saying national interests and bilateral relations should not be exploited for political gain.
Outstanding Border Problems Still Under Review
The controversy centres on several Outstanding Border Problems, particularly around Sebatik Island, which is divided between Malaysia and Indonesia. Following joint remeasurement and redemarcation exercises, parts of Kampung Kabulangalor, Kampung Lepaga, and Kampung Tetagas in Indonesia’s North Kalimantan are now recorded as falling within Malaysian territory.
However, Anwar noted that five intertidal areas in the Sabah North Kalimantan sector and four OBPs in the Sarawak West Kalimantan sector remain unresolved and are still under negotiation between the two governments.
Indonesia Confirms Long Running Negotiations
The issue gained renewed attention after Indonesia’s National Border Management Agency briefed Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives. Its secretary, Police Commissioner Makhruzi Rahman, said several OBPs were resolved through a memorandum of understanding signed during the 45th Indonesia Malaysia Joint Meeting on Sebatik Island on Feb 18, 2025.
According to Indonesian briefings, Indonesia recorded gains of approximately 5,207 hectares previously considered Malaysian territory, while Malaysia also retained control over parts of the three villages. The area is reportedly earmarked for border development, including a border post and a planned free trade zone.
Jakarta Urges Caution and Verification
Indonesian officials have played down claims of sudden territorial loss, emphasising that the developments stem from years of negotiations. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said on Jan 26 that the government would verify the situation directly on the ground and ensure decisions are made carefully with relevant ministries.
North Kalimantan Border Management Agency head Ferdy Manurun Tanduklangi echoed this, saying the boundary settlement process has been gradual and conducted in stages, involving technical surveys and inter agency coordination.
Diplomacy Over Politics
Both Malaysia and Indonesia have reiterated that the OBP framework is a technical and diplomatic process, not a political exchange. Officials from both sides stressed that border clarity is achieved through field verification, negotiations, and mutual agreement, rather than abrupt territorial transfers.
Anwar also addressed opposition accusations referencing earlier claims over Ambalat, noting that those issues remain unresolved and were similarly misrepresented in public discourse.
The Sabah Kalimantan border issue highlights the complexity of managing historical agreements amid modern political scrutiny. For both Indonesians and Malaysians, the episode underscores the importance of transparency, diplomacy, and restraint in safeguarding sovereignty while maintaining stable bilateral relations in Southeast Asia.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , The Star (2026)
Keywords: Malaysia Indonesia Border, Sabah Kalimantan Dispute, Outstanding Border Problems, Sebatik Island, Anwar Ibrahim
