He made the clarification on Friday following a statement by former Malaysian foreign minister Tan Sri Rais Yatim, who voiced disappointment over remarks that were perceived as downplaying Malaysia’s aid.
“My statement yesterday may have been misunderstood. I did not intend in any way to belittle the assistance or support from the Malaysian people for Aceh,” Karnavian said.
He also offered a public apology if his remarks had created a negative impression.
“If there has been any misunderstanding, I apologize,” he said.
Karnavian said his personal and professional relationship with Malaysia spans many years, beginning with cooperation after the Bali bombings when he was serving in the police force and Densus 88, and continuing during his tenure as national police chief and now as home affairs minister.
He added that close relations have also been maintained with Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution, the foreign minister and the Malaysian prime minister.
According to Karnavian, his earlier comments were not meant to compare or diminish the importance of foreign assistance, but to emphasize that extensive efforts by the Indonesian government at both central and regional levels should also be acknowledged, even if many were not widely reported.
“Many actions have been taken since the first day, but not all of them have been captured by the media,” he said.
He outlined government efforts, including the mobilization of large-scale logistics such as hundreds of tons of rice from state logistics agency Bulog, the deployment of helicopters, ships and aircraft under presidential orders, and the provision of rapid budget support for regions lacking operational funds.
Karnavian expressed appreciation for assistance from abroad, including from Malaysia, noting the strong historical and social ties between Malaysia and the Acehnese people.
He also said the contributions of state officials, volunteers and local donors should not be overshadowed by unbalanced coverage.
At the end of his statement, Karnavian reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining good relations between Indonesia and Malaysia.
In a social media post, he said humanitarian assistance from Malaysia for Aceh was valued at around Rp1 billion, or about $58,000.
His remarks later drew criticism from Rais Yatim, who questioned diplomatic ethics and the framing of foreign aid.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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