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KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Trade Minster said Indonesia president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's speech has helped to calm investors.
Despite the recent frictions between two countries, bilateral trade and investments have not been affected.
In an address to the nation on Wednesday night, the Indonesia leader said cordial relations with Malaysia were pivotal to regional stability.
Mustapha Mohamad, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia, agreed with the Indonesian leader.
He said, "We are both founding fathers of Asean. We started it - Malaysia and Indonesia. We are one of those countries which are firm believers in regional economic integration.
"I welcome president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's statement which was very constructive, very forward looking. I think it has helped to cool down tempers on both sides."
Malaysia is one of Indonesia's biggest investors and business interests range from banking to agriculture and services.
Last year, bilateral trade surpassed US$11 billion and Malaysia is confident its target of $15 billion this year is achievable, despite a recent spat over maritime boundaries.
Malaysians also account for over a million of the six million tourist arrivals in Indonesia.
Malaysia has long relied on Indonesia's cheap labour to power its economic growth and there are currently some two million Indonesians seeking employment in the country.
As Malaysia is an important rice bowl to many Indonesians, both countries believe they have nothing to gain but a lot to lose if bilateral relations were to worsen.
Siti, who's from central Java, has been working in Kuala Lumpur as a vendor for more than seven years.
She hopes the recent frictions will blow over soon.
"I don't have any problem working here. I can easily earn a living, so long as I don't cause trouble," she said.
Many Malaysians were put off by the behaviour of some protesters in Jakarta.
They quipped that those who threw faeces at the Malaysian embassy, have only smeared themselves.
"They really shouldn't have done that. We are brothers we should help each other. I believe they were incited by people who's not satisfied with us," said Idris Separi, a Malaysian vendor.
He added, "It's revolting. How can they throw faeces at the Malaysian embassy, they have no shame. It's embarrassing, how can they do that?"
All eyes will now be on the foreign ministers meeting on September 6.
Although boundary disputes will be not resolved overnight, authorities will be looking for a solution that will not involve third party intervention, such as referring to the International Court of Justice. - CNA/fa
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