Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability (NRES) has dismissed recent media claims that Malaysia has ceded 5,207 hectares of land to Indonesia as inaccurate. These reports alleged that the land was handed over as compensation for three villages in the Nunukan area near the Sabah-Kalimantan border.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, clarified that the resolution of the land boundary issue between Malaysia and Indonesia was achieved without any principles of reciprocity, compensation, or "profit and loss." He emphasized that the negotiations concerning the marking and measurement of Outstanding Boundary Problem (OBP) areas were conducted amicably between the two nations, adhering to international law and existing boundary agreements.
Arthur explained that the land boundary measurement was finalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Indonesia on February 18, 2025, after more than 45 years of detailed and transparent technical discussions. He highlighted that Malaysia and Indonesia's commitment to resolving the land boundary issues for the Sabah-North Kalimantan (KALTARA) sector was solidified during former Indonesian President Joko Widodo's state visit to Malaysia on June 8, 2023, which included active participation from Sabah government representatives as part of the Malaysian delegation.
The Minister further elaborated that scientific measurements were based on previous agreements to ensure clarity in the boundary line, involving expertise from the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) and security agencies. He underscored that all adjustments were made in compliance with international law, specifically referencing the Boundary Convention 1891 and the Boundary Agreement 1928, along with precise geospatial coordinates, rather than political concessions.
Arthur asserted that the final determination of the border would bolster Malaysia's legal standing internationally and prevent larger territorial claims in the future. He described the decision as a strategic move to ensure Malaysia's sovereignty is fully recognized by neighboring countries and the international community, prioritizing long-term interests over maintaining disputed areas lacking a legal basis.
He also mentioned that both countries are committed to a diplomatic approach through ongoing negotiations to address any issues and disputes in OBP areas, promoting goodwill and friendship, thus ensuring harmony and preventing conflicts on the ground.
Media reports had previously claimed that three villages in Nunukan, North Kalimantan, had moved to Malaysia, while the boundary dispute in the Pulau Sebatik area remains unresolved, suggesting Indonesia was acquiring an additional area of 5,207 hectares from Malaysia.