President Prabowo Appreciates Singapore PM’s Official Visit to Indonesia

President Prabowo in a joint press statement after a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Singapore, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Prime Minister (PM) of Singapore Lawrence Wong on his official visit to the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (11/06). This is the first visit since President Prabowo was inaugurated on October 20, 2024, and also an important momentum in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

In a press statement, President Prabowo conveyed the meeting results after conducting intensive and constructive discussions on several bilateral issues.

First, in defense and legal cooperation, President Prabowo explained that Singapore and Indonesia are committed to fully implementing the defense cooperation agreement, including the arrangement of military training areas.

“Second, regarding economic cooperation, Singapore is one of Indonesia’s main trading partners and investors. I hope Singapore can facilitate wider market access for Indonesian products. That is including regulations and standards harmonization,” President Prabowo Subianto stated in a joint press statement after the meeting with Singapore PM at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

The President added that they also discussed about enhancing Singapore’s investment in Indonesia’s key sectors, including renewable energy, industrial downstream, food security, digital technology and semiconductors, health, and Nusantara Capital City (IKN).

Third, on low-carbon energy technology. Both state leaders discussed the ongoing cooperation projects, including cross-border electricity interconnection, joint development of green hydrogen in Sumatra, and solar power plants.

“We also agreed to continue our cooperation on carbon capture and storage,” he added.

Fourth, on food security. The discussion also included potential cooperation in technology transfer and exchange of food security expertise, especially in urban agriculture and the development of food estate.

President Prabowo emphasized that both countries agreed to expedite the MoU finalization regarding cooperation in food security and agricultural technology.

“Fifth, on human resource development. We agree to increase cooperation in education, science, technology, digitalization, and professional exchanges,” the President stated.

President Prabowo emphasized that Singapore is one of Indonesia’s strategic partners, both on a bilateral level and within ASEAN.

“We share similar views, especially on ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. I hope that the visit could be a momentum for us to enhance future cooperation, particularly in strategic and important sectors for both countries, including cooperation in defense, law, trade, investment, food security, energy, and human resource development,” President Prabowo further explained.

The two nation leaders also exchanged views on the importance of maintaining regional and international peace and security amidst the complex geopolitical situation.

“Related to the Middle East, I conveyed my deep concern over the circumstances in Palestine and Lebanon. I emphasized the necessity to persistently advocating for an immediate cessation of violence, the unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the pursuit of resolution for Palestine and Israel according to international law. Regarding Myanmar, we concurred to ensure the implementation of the five-point consensus, particularly focusing on inclusive national dialogue and provision of humanitarian aid,” he explained.

To conclude his statement, President Prabowo confirmed to attend Leaders’ Retreat in Singapore next year. (FID/DNS)(AW/LW)