Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are set to meet in Jakarta on Friday to discuss the protracted Iran war that has fueled a global energy crunch.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that the visit would focus on the conflict in West Asia, including its implications for Malaysia and Indonesia. The ministry also stated that Anwar would come at Prabowo’s invitation.

“These latest developments require comprehensive, careful, and coordinated discussions between the two countries to align positions and strengthen strategic cooperation in responding to the situation,” the statement reads. 

Both leaders are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to ease tension. Their talks will also revolve around ensuring the continuity of global trade routes and key supply chains as the Strait of Hormuz blockade chokes energy shipping. Also high up on the agenda is how to have ASEAN move as a “united bloc” to collectively preserve peace and safeguard economic resilience.

Prabowo and Anwar had just spoken over the phone to discuss the conflict on Monday night. 

In a social media post, Anwar said that he would like to visit Jakarta soon. He also told Prabowo that Kuala Lumpur would “continue to support and strengthen diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the Iran-Israel conflict”. Prabowo has previously pitched to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

Almost a month has passed since the US and Israel coordinated strikes against Tehran. This military campaign quickly ruffled Tehran’s feathers, triggering retaliation that included blocking the Strait of Hormuz. The strait carries a quarter of the global seaborne oil trade. The shutdown has also caused countless vessels to be stranded in the strategic waterway.

A day before his Jakarta trip, Anwar, in a televised speech, thanked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for letting Malaysian vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We are in the process of releasing the Malaysian oil ships and the workers, so they can continue their journey home,” Anwar said.

The last time the Malaysian leader set foot in Jakarta was back in July 2025.