INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE STRENGTHEN TIES THROUGH STRATEGIC COOPERATION DISCUSSIONS

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong held a constructive bilateral meeting on Wednesday, discussing key topics including defence, trade, investment, food security, energy, and human resource development.

In a joint press conference at Istana Merdeka here after the meeting, Prabowo said both countries are committed to fully implementing the defence cooperation agreement, including arrangements for military training areas.

“Regarding economic cooperation, I hope Singapore can facilitate broader market access for Indonesian products, including through the harmonisation of regulations and standards,” he said.

The two leaders also discussed efforts to increase Singaporean investment, particularly in renewable energy, industrial revitalisation, food security, digital technology, semiconductors, healthcare, and the new capital, Nusantara.

On low-carbon energy technology, they addressed ongoing cooperation projects, including cross-border electricity interconnection, joint development of green hydrogen in Sumatra, solar power generation, as well as carbon capture and storage.

On food security, both leaders explored potential cooperation on technology transfer and expertise exchange, particularly in urban agriculture and the development of food estate areas.

Regarding human resource development, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in education, science, technology, digitalisation, and professional exchanges.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, with both emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and security amid increasingly complex geopolitical challenges.

Prabowo expressed concern over the situations in Palestine and Lebanon, urging an immediate halt to violence, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.

Touching on Myanmar, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the five-point consensus, focusing on inclusive dialogue and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

According to Prabowo: “Singapore is one of Indonesia’s closest neighbours and a very important partner. We have strong cooperation both bilaterally and within the ASEAN framework.”

Wong acknowledged the growing geopolitical tensions, saying, “We are entering a more troubling era in global affairs, with more geopolitical tensions to manage.

“But Indonesia and Singapore share many common strategic perspectives on the world. We both want to be friends to all, good neighbours, and maintain close ties with both America as well as China,” he said.

Both countries would pursue active and independent foreign policies aimed at achieving mutual benefits, safeguarding their interests, and ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity for both nations and the broader Southeast Asian region, he added.

Wong has been in Jakarta since Tuesday for a two-day visit, marking the first official visit hosted by Prabowo since his inauguration on October 20.

-- BERNAMA