SINGAPORE – Singapore and Indonesia are embarking on a new phase of strategic partnership, marked by renewed commitments to deepen cooperation in energy, defence, food security, and regional stability. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, both recently inaugurated, affirmed their shared vision during President Prabowo’s state visit and the Leaders’ Retreat held in Singapore on June 16.
PM Wong described the relationship as being in “excellent shape,” and emphasized both countries’ readiness to “chart even stronger ties” in this new era of bilateral engagement.
“The retreat is a platform that we convene only with our closest neighbours,” said Wong. “It reflects the comfort and trust we have at the highest levels and our shared commitment to work together in the spirit of mutual respect.”
Turning Vulnerabilities into Opportunities: Climate and Energy Pacts
At the heart of the discussions was a forward-looking green economy agenda. The leaders witnessed the signing of multiple agreements aimed at accelerating renewable energy collaboration, carbon capture and storage projects, and the development of sustainable industrial zones.
On June 13, both governments signed three memorandums of understanding (MOUs) covering:
- Cross-border electricity trade
- Carbon capture and storage infrastructure
- Sustainable industrial development
These efforts align with both nations’ shared vulnerabilities as climate-exposed archipelagic states, which PM Wong noted they are “working to transform into opportunities.”
Strengthening Food and Agriculture Resilience
The June 16 exchange of a food safety and agritech agreement between Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture further emphasized both countries’ long-term planning in supply resilience.
“Singapore will support Indonesia’s food security priorities, including through a young farmers development program to share agritech best practices,” PM Wong stated.
Landmark Security Framework Now Active
President Prabowo and PM Wong also marked the operationalization of three key framework agreements signed in 2022 under their predecessors:
- Defence Cooperation Agreement
- Flight Information Region (FIR) Agreement
- Extradition Treaty
The FIR agreement is now in effect, with Indonesian aviation personnel working seamlessly alongside Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority to manage regional air traffic safely.
On security and legal matters, the first case under the new extradition treaty is already before Singapore’s courts, a milestone PM Wong attributed to “close collaboration between legal and law enforcement agencies of both sides.”
Defence and Maritime Security Ties Expand
Military cooperation is also expanding. Both countries are exploring new defence initiatives while continuing to train together. Officials say the new momentum will include maritime surveillance, counter-terrorism coordination, and cybersecurity readiness.
19 Outcomes from a Productive Retreat
President Prabowo called the retreat “productive and successful,” noting that ministers and officials from both governments would now begin implementing 19 joint deliverables across multiple sectors.
Among those outcomes are initiatives in technology cooperation, digital economy expansion, education exchanges, and economic integration of border zones.
Regional Leadership in Focus
The upgraded Singapore–Indonesia partnership comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia. Observers see the deepening ties as a stabilizing force and a model for pragmatic regional diplomacy, especially in green innovation and infrastructure development.
“This is only possible because of the enduring friendship between our countries and between Singaporeans and Indonesians,” PM Wong said.
Both leaders have signaled that they intend to meet regularly to sustain the momentum, with preparations already underway for future joint initiatives. (zai)