Singapore and Indonesia to write new chapter in ties, says PM Wong

Singapore and Indonesia will be writing a new chapter in their bilateral ties by collaborating on new opportunities, said Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Nov 6.

- Hariz Baharudin

PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, noted how while he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are leaders who are starting out in their new roles, they both benefit from the work of their predecessors.

"As new leaders now, both of us are able to write a new chapter in our bilateral ties and take the relationship to even greater heights," he said.

He was speaking at a joint press conference with Mr Prabowo at the presidential palace in Jakarta.

PM Wong was sworn in as Prime Minister of Singapore on May 15, taking over from Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, while Mr Prabowo was inaugurated as Indonesia's President on Oct 20.

In his remarks, Mr Prabowo reaffirmed the close ties between the two countries. He said that PM Wong's visit is very meaningful because it is the first official visit by a foreign leader since his inauguration.

"Singapore is one of the closest neighbours and a very important partner for Indonesia. We have good cooperation bilaterally, and also within the Asean framework," said Mr Prabowo.

This trip is the fourth time in 2024 that PM Wong and Mr Prabowo are meeting. The pair last met during Mr Prabowo's inauguration.

PM Wong was on a two-day visit to Indonesia and arrived in Jakarta on Nov 5. He was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, and Indonesia's Ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo.

PM Wong and Mr Prabowo had also met during the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat hosted by then Indonesian President Joko Widodo in April, and again in June, when Mr Prabowo was in Singapore to deliver a special address at the 21st edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue.

At the press conference, PM Wong said both leaders discussed new opportunities for collaboration in the coming years. This includes areas like defence, digital technologies, healthcare and trade.