After Meeting Prabowo and Gibran, Malaysian Deputy PM Meets Surya Paloh

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO Party President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi met with Nasdem Party Chairman Surya Paloh at Nasdem Tower, Jakarta, on Saturday evening (19/9/2026).

The meeting took place after Zahid had previously met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Vice President's Palace.

According to Kompas.com observations, Zahid arrived at Nasdem Tower with his delegation and was immediately given a tour of several floors of the building by Surya Paloh along with senior Nasdem officials.

Following the tour, Surya Paloh and Zahid, accompanied by their entourages, held a dinner at the Nasdem Tower Ballroom.

In his remarks, Surya Paloh welcomed Zahid's visit as one that brings enthusiasm and positive energy to the Nasdem Party.

He also emphasized the importance of the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia as kin nations.

"I must frankly say the relationship between the governments of Indonesia and Malaysia is like that of kindred nations," Surya Paloh said in his speech.

According to Surya Paloh, the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia should not be viewed merely through economic interests or the profit and loss aspects of trade.

"It would be a grave mistake if we do not regard the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia as a lex specialis," he added.

"A relationship not merely based on considerations of profit and loss," Surya Paloh continued.

He said the bonds between the two countries hold a much greater meaning, serving as the foundation for building joint strength between Indonesia and Malaysia.

"But far beyond that, the relationship between the two countries stands as our firm foundation. Kin nations capable of safeguarding the rise and shared strength of both nations in building Indonesia and Malaysia. This is what we strive for," Surya Paloh stated.

On the same occasion, Zahid expressed his admiration for Surya Paloh and the Nasdem Party.

"My admiration for Mr. Surya Paloh shines through this magnificent building, the Nasdem Tower," Zahid said.

Zahid also invited Surya Paloh and the Nasdem Party's Supreme Council leadership to visit Kuala Lumpur. He hopes the relationship between UMNO and Nasdem will continue to be strengthened.

"I would like to invite you and the Supreme Council leadership of the Nasdem Party to come to Kuala Lumpur to visit the UMNO building—not to learn what we have done or to advise us on what we should do so that UMNO can be as great as Nasdem," Zahid said.

Zahid stressed that the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia must remain strong regardless of who leads the two countries.

"Whoever becomes the President of Indonesia and whoever becomes the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the people of Malaysia and Indonesia must ensure that people to people we must be together. Moreover, government to government, we have to remain intact," Zahid concluded.