00:00A Saba leader has voiced support for joint development of oil and gas resources in the
00:06disputed Sulawesi, calling it the most practical path forward. State Finance Minister Masidi
00:12Manjun stressed that any arrangement must protect Saba's sovereignty and the rights of its people.
00:17He said recent talks involving Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Saba Chief Minister Haijiji
00:22Noor, and the Indonesian government reinforced a shared commitment to a practical win-win cooperation.
00:27Masidi said Saba must have a direct seat in discussions and that cooperation must be
00:32based on Indonesia's recognition of Saba's territorial rights.
00:36The maritime dispute in the Sulawesi Sea, known in Indonesia as Ambalat, dates back to the 1970s and
00:42has seen tensions between Pertamina and Petronas, the national oil companies of Indonesia and Malaysia
00:48respectively. Masidi argued that a joint development arrangement could unlock oil and gas assets,
00:53create long-term revenues and jobs for Saba, and avoid Sarawak's more confrontational stance.
00:59He acknowledged security risks in East Malaysia's waters due to competing claims by China,
01:03Indonesia, and the Philippines, but voiced confidence in the federal government's ability
01:07to safeguard sovereignty. Putrajaya has increased defense spending under the 13th Malaysia Plan,
01:13including plans for a new naval base in Bintulu to strengthen security in disputed waters.
01:17Don Shredger Rizza, FMT.
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