Jakarta, May 23 -- Indonesia's Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) is seeking stronger cooperation with Malaysia to bolster the Islamic economy and halal industry in Southeast Asia, with the aim of creating jobs and enhancing the region's global competitiveness.

PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf said the issue was discussed during a reciprocal visit by a Malaysian delegation aimed at strengthening bilateral ties through a people-to-people approach.

"We discussed several concrete opportunities for cooperation, ranging from Islamic economy-based business development and agriculture to academic collaboration," he said during a press conference following the meeting in Jakarta on Friday.

He stressed that both Indonesia and Malaysia shar...