Indonesia were reduced to 10 men in the 36th minute when midfielder Thom Haye was sent off following a VAR review for a dangerous tackle on Malaysia winger Arif Aiman.
Despite the setback, the hosts remained disciplined at the back and frustrated Malaysia for the rest of the match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Malaysia controlled much of the second half and repeatedly pushed forward in search of a winner, but struggled to break down Indonesia’s compact defense. Veteran Paulo Josue headed over from a promising position in the 64th minute, while Arif Aiman also sent several efforts wide.
Substitute Fergus Tierney had one of Malaysia’s best opportunities shortly after coming on, but lifted his shot over the bar from close range after Bergson headed the ball into his path.
Indonesia goalkeeper Maarten Paes played a decisive role in preserving the draw. He had already denied Bergson with a close-range header in the first half and continued to make important interventions as Malaysia increased the pressure after the break.
Indonesia also came close to scoring despite being a man down. Just before halftime, Elkan Baggott struck the post from a rebound following a corner, while earlier in the match Justin Hubner had the ball in the net only for the goal to be disallowed because of a foul in the buildup.
Malaysia’s strongest late chance came in stoppage time when Dion Cools volleyed toward the far corner from a corner kick, but Hubner cleared the ball off the line. Syahmi Safari then fired the rebound over the bar.
Malaysia had played with an extra man from the 36th minute onward but were unable to convert their territorial dominance into a goal, while Indonesia’s defenders and Paes repeatedly shut down their attacks.
The result left both teams unbeaten after two Group A matches.