Singapore to Enhance Strategic Partnership, Energy, Defense Cooperation with Indonesia
Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong affirmed the commitment of Singapore to continue enhancing strategic partnership with Indonesia by expanding the scopes of cooperation in various priority sectors.
The Prime Minister also considered Indonesia’s huge potential in the development of new and renewable energies. He also expressed his readiness to become Indonesia’s strategic partner to explore its potential through the development of Indonesia’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) project, located in Morowali regency, Central Sulawesi province.
“Today we have also signed the MoU between Danantara and Keppel Electric, Sembcorp Industries, and the Singapore Energy Interconnections. This will provide a clear road map for negotiations and discussions between the parties, paving the way for our cross-border electricity project,” PM Wong said in a joint press conference with President Prabowo Subianto, at the series of Leaders’ Retreat, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (07/06).
Moreover, PM Wong also underscored the importance of deepening people-to-people ties, which serves as the foundation of Indonesia-Singapore’s bilateral relationship. He welcomed the launching of Garuda Schools program and student exchange program, which aimed at strengthening bilateral relationship between both countries.
“Our universities welcome students from SMA Taruna Nusantara in Central Java province in April this year, and they plan to make a reciprocal visit next months. Such program builds friendships and understanding between our peoples,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also expressed his strong belief on Indonesia-Singapore’s better connectivity as more direct flights between Singapore and several regions in Indonesia are now launched.
“We hope to see more flight connections to different parts of Indonesia. That will enable tourists to experience the beauty of Indonesia, support business travel, and facilitate more interactions between our peoples,” he added.
On that occasion, both leaders also agreed to strengthen institutional links between the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). He also appreciated President Prabowo’s contribution and the important role he played in fostering strong ties between our militaries.
“Under our defense cooperation agreement, the SAF and TNI are exploring the co-development of training facilities in Baturaja, West Kalimantan province and the Siabu Air Weapons Range. This initiative will provide even more mutually beneficial opportunities for us to train together and deepen our long-standing defense relations,” he stated. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/AW)
