Inaugural Malaysia-Indonesia EPG Meeting Begins In Jakarta

JAKARTA, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The inaugural meeting of the Malaysia-Indonesia Eminent Persons Group (EPG) began here Friday, with discussions centred on three agenda aimed at fostering closer relations between both countries.

Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Zainal Abidin Mohamed Zain said the EPG, comprising seven officials on each side, would discuss issues on the perception gap among generations, cultural heritage collaboration and the promotion of both countries' aspirations through the media.

"The historical relations between both countries, perceptions among the young either in Malaysia or Indonesia and the role of the media are important elements in strengthening bilateral relations," he told Bernama here.

The EPG, which was agreed upon by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono early this year, would also discuss its terms of reference.

Among activities the EGP had recommended to enhance understanding on the historical, cultural and issues of mutual interest were dialogues between historians as well as between graduates and youth organisations of both countries.

Zainal Abidin said the EPG had also recommended the dialogue to also include cultural experts and media organisations of both countries.

The Malaysian EPG is headed by former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam while the deputy chairman is Tan Sri Halim Ali.

The five members are Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Tan Sri Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin, Tan Sri Hamid Bugo, Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim and Datuk Dr Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas.

The Indonesian EPG is headed by former Vice-President Tan Sri Try Sutrisno and comprises Ali Alatas, Prof Dr Quraisy Shihab, Des Alwi Abu Bakar, Dr Musni Umar, Dr Prudentia Maria Purenti Sri Suniarti and Wahyuni Bahar.

The EPG would wrap-up their meeting at noon Saturday.