Nurfika Osman

Keep a Low Profile in Indonesia, Malaysian Students Advised

Despite a warning from their embassy against engaging in discussions of a political nature, many Malaysian students in Indonesia are finding that they have little choice.

Escalating tensions between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur over the disputed Ambalat waters off northeast Borneo Island and over abuse allegedly inflicted on Indonesian teenager Manohara Odelia Pinot by her Malaysian prince husband have led to Malaysian students in Indonesia being asked a number of uncomfortable questions by their Indonesian counterparts.

Noraishah Abdul Aziz, a Malaysian student at the School of Medicine of the University of Indonesia, said on Sunday that she was constantly asked about her country’s actions.

“Many of my Indonesian friends ask me questions like: ‘How can Malaysia do such things to Indonesia?’ or ‘Why does Malaysia have to do that?’ and I have to explain to them that it is an internal political matter between the two nations that I hope is settled soon.”

Noraishah, who has been living in Indonesia since 2005, said that some issues angered Indonesian students and that they talked about these behind her back.

“I am aware of that,” she said. “But, after I explain that Malaysians are also keen to settle any matter with Indonesia, they understand .”

She said her Indonesian friends had also discussed the issue of Indonesian workers, particularly domestic helpers, being abused in her home country and criticized Malaysians for these actions.

“I told them that the Malaysian police always punish employers who are declared guilty of torturing their Indonesian workers,” she said.

Noraishah said that Malaysian students in Indonesia had a commitment to maintaining a friendly relationship with their counterpar ts.

“We are committed to retaining a good relationship with our Indonesian friends as we are neighbors and it is important for the future of the two nations as the younger generations will replace the old ones,” she said.

Junaidi Abu Bakar, the education attache at the Malaysian Embassy, said the embassy encouraged all Malaysian students in the country not to enter into debates on sensitive issues.

“My message to them is not to engage in debates on controversial matters in Indonesia,” he was quoted as saying by Malaysian state news agency Bernama.

“Let the respective authorities handle these matters, including the Ambalat issue and also that concerning Manohara.”

Junaidi said the embassy had also advised Malaysian students to take added precautions in their movements and to move around in groups.

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