Jiran Istimewa – JIWA
On 2nd Sept 2025, Mr. Wong Toong Poo, Manager of DIY Business System and founder of PusatPelancongan.com, together with his colleague James Wong, paid a courtesy visit to Bapak Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Johor Bahru, joined by Consuls Eftariyadi Badri and Mohamad Rizali Noor.
The meeting was conducted in a warm and engaging atmosphere, focusing on the JIWA initiative and its role in strengthening cross-border tourism, travel, and tour opportunities between Malaysia and Indonesia.
The Consul General explained that Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang—especially Johor with its close proximity to Indonesia’s Riau Islands—form a natural tourism corridor. Unlike other Indonesian regions that are farther away, the Riau Islands and southern Malaysian states are direct neighbors. Yet, until now, few special interactions existed. Through JIWA, however, participating institutions—including private organizations—agree to provide special benefits for Jiran Istimewa (special neighbors). While the incentives may not always be large in monetary value, they represent mutual care, respect, and friendship, which make travel more meaningful and attractive for tourists.
Many partners are already supporting JIWA, including transport operators, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other travel-related enterprises. The Consul General emphasized that since PusatPelancongan.com is dedicated to promoting tourism projects, it can help make JIWA more visible as a preferred destination program, encouraging tourists to explore unique experiences on both sides of the border. Such efforts would further strengthen friendship and commercial exchanges between Malaysia and Indonesia.
In response, Mr. Wong shared his team’s experience in organizing site visits, study tours, and travel promotion projects, highlighting how these initiatives can bring benefits to tourist attractions, travel agencies, hotels, and resorts.
The Consul General strongly agreed and encouraged the submission of a formal proposal focusing on:
- A Familiarization Trip (FAM Trip) to the Riau Islands.
- Featuring JIWA promotions on PusatPelancongan.com through Feature Ads, giving the project wider reach among tourists seeking travel and tour opportunities.
The discussion was highly successful and reflected a strong spirit of collaboration. Mr. Wong also expressed his appreciation to Consuls Eftariyadi Badri and Mohamad Rizali Noor for their participation, as well as to James Wong for his contributions.
Adding a personal touch, before the group photo session, the Consul General thoughtfully introduced the significance of the chosen backdrop, creating a symbolic memory of the occasion. His approachable and friendly manner made the meeting especially memorable.
�� Here are our group photos taken after the meeting in the front courtyard, together with a short video where the Consul General shares his inspiring message. Please take a moment to watch and listen with attention. ��
The JIWA initiative is a simple yet meaningful effort that may grow into a catalyst for making Malaysia and Indonesia a preferred destination for regional and international tourists alike.
