Press Statement of the President of the Republic of Indonesia after a Bilateral Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore during Indonesia–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, July 6, 2026

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

May peace be upon us all,

Shalom,

Salve,

Om swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Rahayu, rahayu.

Your Excellency Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, and delegates of Singapore and of Indonesia,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to thank Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, along with his delegation, for his visit to Indonesia for Indonesia–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat. This is my second retreat, and this meeting, once again, shows the unique and special relations between Indonesia and Singapore.

As close neighbors, Indonesia and Singapore have become close partners. We have shared interests since we are located in the same region, making stability and prosperity our common interests. Furthermore, we recognize and understand that prosperity will never come without peace and stability. Peace and stability are the ends toward which we must never cease to strive. Stability and peace are not something that comes automatically. We have agreed that we must maintain our interests and continue to work together for the mutual benefit of both parties.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have convened an intensive, very fruitful, heart-to-heart, open, and future-fit meeting. We have agreed that, in the event of a misunderstanding or misperception, we will resolve it openly as close friends. As seen previously, this meeting resulted in 26 concrete achievements, concrete achievements in multiple sectors, comprising 18 Government-to-Government work agreements and 8 business-to-business agreements. These achievements reflect our increasingly broad and intensive cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our economic cooperation remains the primary pillar of our relations. We have seen stronger cooperation across all sectors, including trade and connectivity, almost in all sectors. Indonesia has designated the sovereign wealth fund Danantara to implement cross-border green electricity trade cooperation and engage in trade-related activities. Moreover, in the sectors of energy, digital economy, digital ecosystem, and cybersecurity, we have held discussions and made quite concrete achievements. We have also agreed to continue collaborating in the food and supply chain sectors. In the defense and security sectors, we will also implement our defense cooperation agreement.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A strong partnership is built upon trust, not only between governments but also between the peoples of the two countries. Therefore, connectivity, tourism, education, and cooperation among youth are of great importance.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Beyond our bilateral agenda, we have also discussed global and regional issues, those that will impact our lives. We affirm that ASEAN views that every dispute must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy, not only within our region but also across all regions.

Our discussion today not only responds to current challenges but also prepares our partnership for the future. Next year, we will celebrate 60 years of Indonesia–Singapore diplomatic ties, and we believe these relations must endure.

To conclude, let me reiterate my gratitude to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and all delegates for the commitment to continuously maintaining friendship, cooperation, and collaboration with Indonesia.

Once again, I affirm that today’s Leaders’ Retreat demonstrates the high level of trust and strategic values of Indonesia–Singapore relations. For instance, we reaffirm Indonesia and Singapore’s stance on the Malacca Strait issue. Indonesia and Singapore are countries that share a direct border with the Strait of Malacca. We share the interest to safeguard the Strait of Malacca as a free passage for all. We must maintain security and peace in the strait, including ensuring protection against pollution, accidents, and piracy. This is a vital interest for countries surrounding the Strait of Malacca. We will continue to coordinate with Malaysia and Thailand to protect it, complying with the 1982 UNCLOS. The Strait of Malacca will remain open, safe, and accessible to everyone who requires it.

I believe that is our steadfastness. We assure our friends in Singapore that Indonesia’s stance and my personal stance for a long time—I suppose I have proven it for decades—is that Singapore and Indonesia must become good partners and establish good cooperation. Good cooperation will not only benefit the people of Indonesia and the people of Singapore but also contribute to stability, growth, and prosperity across Southeast Asia.

That concludes my statement. Once again, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, I thank you for the visit of Your Excellency and Your Excellency’s entourage, and I thank you for your friendship.

Thank you.

(DH/MUR)