Indonesia–Malaysia relations

Indonesia and Malaysia established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1957. It is one of the most important bilateral relationships in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia and Malaysia are two neighbouring nations that share similarities in many aspects. Both Malaysia and Indonesia have many common characteristic traits, including standard frames of reference in history, culture and religion. Although both countries are separate and independent states, there are also profoundly embedded similarities. The national languages Indonesian and Malaysian Malay are closely related and largely mutually intelligible. Both nations are Muslim-majority countries, founding members of ASEAN and APEC, and also members of the Non-Aligned Movement, Developing 8 Countries, United Nations, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Although both nations are tied by a common religion, language, proximity and cultural heritage that dates back centuries, the relationship has been known to be unfriendly, as they often engage in diplomatic spats. Since their independences, Indonesia and Malaysia have moved in different directions in their respective social, economic, and political development, which often lead them to serious bilateral tensions. The unequal pace of democratisation in the two countries over the last decades has made the relationship increasingly problematic. Malaysian government-controlled media has been restrained in reporting sensitive issues involving Indonesia. On the other hand, Indonesia's liberal mass media has played a key role in inflaming the tension.

Indonesia has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur and consulates general in Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Tawau. Malaysia has an embassy in Jakarta and a consulates general in Medan, Pekanbaru, and Pontianak.