On 29 July 2025, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, and the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, signed an agreement to expand the ASEAN free trade agreement. Anwar emphasised that the trade agreement is integral to Southeast Asia's economic resilience. However, he urged ASEAN to remain vigilant in the face of rising protectionism. ASEAN remains committed to openness and reform, and adapting to an increasingly complex geo-economic landscape. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is at the core of ASEAN's vision. Furthermore, Anwar emphasised that as the world's largest trade agreement, RCEP serves to consolidate ASEAN's status as the primary economic hub in the region. Anwar emphasised that sustainable cooperation and liberalisation continue to be pursued. Implementing this strategy could protect jobs, sustain growth, and strengthen Southeast Asia's position in the global economy.

Source: https://rri.co.id/internasional/1732493/indonesia-malaysia-sepakat-perluas-perdagangan-bebas-asean