In a space of six months, there have been two proposals to build a mega connection between Indonesia and Malaysia by the Malaysian side. The response from Indonesia for both projects is lukewarm at best.
First, it was the proposal to build a Malacca-Dumai bridge by the Malacca state government made last September. It is obvious Indonesia is not that keen on this project costing RM44.3 billion (US$13.306 billion). Jakarta said the idea was appealing, but the project was not a priority. Indonesia was then and still is grappling with a slowing economy. That is as good as a no from Indonesia. The bridge idea is not new.
In 1996, then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had proposed that such a bridge be built. The closest point between the two countries along the straits was between Malacca and Dumai. Due to the Asian financial crisis, the project was shelved.