An Indonesian minister has rejected Malaysia's proposal to strengthen Bahasa Melayu by making it Asean's second language and to use it in every official meeting between the two countries.

According to Indonesian news portal Kompas.com, Indonesia's Education, Culture, Research and Technology Minister Nadiem Makarim has informed his reservation on the matter to Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob during the latter's official visit to Indonesia last week.

Nadiem reportedly said that Bahasa Indonesia is more eligible to be elevated to such a position, citing its history and linguistic values.