Hermono, who will complete his posting and return to Jakarta at the end of this month, said the MoU represented a major breakthrough in bilateral cooperation and a personal milestone in his four decades of diplomatic service.
“That is the achievement I am most proud of – for myself and for my team – because it took a great deal of effort and negotiation before we could finally conclude the MoU,” he said during a gathering with the media here.
“The MoU has worked very well. The conditions (for Indonesian domestic workers) are much better now, and when problems arise, both sides can resolve them more efficiently.”
Appointed ambassador in 2020, Hermono previously served as Indonesia’s deputy ambassador to Malaysia from 2013 to 2015.
His latest assignment marked his second tour in Kuala Lumpur, which he described as the most memorable of his diplomatic career – which included postings in Spain, Colombia, New Zealand and Uzbekistan.
“Malaysia holds a special place in my heart because my work here focused on issues surrounding people – especially the rights and welfare of migrant workers,” he said.
Hermono stressed that migrant-worker protection and border matters are two of the most pressing issues which the next ambassador, Iman Hascarya Kusumo, would have to tackle with sustained commitment and dialogue.
“If we can solve these two issues, I think the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia will be much stronger,” he said.
He also said the strength of the countries’ bilateral ties should not rest solely on the personal rapport between the nation’s leaders.
“Our relations should not be based on personal relations of the leaders; leaders come and go at any time.
“The strongest and the most important foundation of our relationship is the people of the two countries,” he said.
Hermono thanked Malaysian journalists for their support and coverage of migrant issues throughout his tenure, saying their work helped raise awareness and foster understanding between the two nations.
“You have made me very popular in Malaysia – like a celebrity,” he said, smiling.
“Wherever I go, many people recognise me.”