Indonesia, Singapore Affirm Commitment to Regional Peace, Strait of Malacca Security
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto affirmed the shared commitment between Indonesia and Singapore to maintain regional peace, resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, and strengthening the security of the Strait of Malacca—one of the world’s strategic shipping channels. President Prabowo, on Monday (7/6) at Merdeka Palace, made this statement during a joint press conference at the Leader’s Retreat with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
“We emphasized the ASEAN belief that every dispute must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy. Not only in our region, but also in all regions,” said President Prabowo.
One of the important issues discussed was the commitment of Indonesia and Singapore on the Strait of Malacca. President Prabowo emphasized that the Strait of Malacca is a vital region for both countries that has a direct border with the shipping channel.
“We reaffirmed the commitment of Indonesia and Singapore on the Strait of Malacca. Indonesia and Singapore are countries sharing a direct border along the Strait of Malacca. Therefore, we have responsibilities to maintain the Strait of Malacca as a free channel for all,” emphasized the President.
To ensure the vital shipping channel remains safe and open, President Prabowo explained that the two countries will continue to facilitate coordination with Malaysia and Thailand, aiming to keep the Strait of Malacca open, safe, and accessible for all parties based on UNCLOS 1982 principles.
In addition to regional security, President Prabowo highlighted that the discussion with PM Lawrence Wong not only focuses on present challenges, but also prepares partnerships between Indonesia and Singapore to face future challenges.
“Next year, we will commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Singapore. We believe that this relation must get stronger in the future,” said the President.
In his press conference, President Prabowo noted that the Leader’s Retreat between Indonesia and Singapore showed maturity, trust, and strategic relations between the two countries. He also expressed his appreciation to PM Lawrence Wong and Singapore delegates for their commitment to maintain friendship, cooperation, and collaboration with Indonesia.
“Once again, I highlighted that the Leader’s Retreat today showed maturity, trust, and strategic relations between Indonesia and Singapore,” explained the President.
Moreover, President Prabowo emphasized that the relationship between Indonesia and Singapore must be developed in a spirit of good partnership and mutual benefit. The President believed that the strong relations between the two nations will bring benefits not only for the people of Indonesia and Singapore, but also stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
“I reassured our friends in Singapore that Indonesia’s stance, my stance for a long time, and I have proven it for tens of years, my personal commitment, my belief that Singapore and Indonesia must be a good partner, maintain good cooperation, therefore this good cooperation not only will benefit the people of Indonesia and Singapore, but also contribute to stability, growth, and prosperity in Southeast Asia,” he concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/LW)
