Singapore and Indonesia are exploring expansive opportunities for collaboration in defence, trade, investment, and other critical sectors, announced Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong alongside Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. Wong’s remarks, delivered during a joint press conference at the Istana Merdeka palace, highlighted both nations’ shared interests in advancing food and energy security, essential pillars for Indonesia’s strategic priorities.
The meeting marks Wong’s first official trip to Indonesia as Prime Minister and follows Prabowo’s inauguration as president last month, symbolizing a renewal of commitments to mutual growth and support within the region.
The defence sector stands out as a focal point in Singapore and Indonesia’s new phase of cooperation. PM Wong extended gratitude to President Prabowo for his commitment to strengthening ties as former Defence Minister, a role in which Prabowo significantly advanced the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that came into effect earlier this year. This agreement facilitates unprecedented collaboration between the two nations’ military forces, allowing Singapore and Indonesia to deepen cooperation in joint training exercises, capacity-building efforts, and enhanced operational synergies.
As PM Wong explained, “Our countries are in a prime position to not only enhance our defence strategies but also explore how our aligned security priorities can shape the wider region. The DCA is a cornerstone for a safer, more resilient Southeast Asia.”
This cooperation is especially timely amid a complex global security landscape, where Southeast Asia faces mounting challenges, including cyber threats and regional maritime tensions. By strengthening defence ties, Singapore and Indonesia aim to uphold a more secure and stable ASEAN, further reinforcing their shared commitment to peace in the region.
Beyond defence, Singapore and Indonesia are eager to broaden trade and investment flows, aligning with both nations’ strategic economic objectives. Singapore has long been one of Indonesia’s largest trading partners, contributing substantial investment to sectors including infrastructure, financial services, and technology. As Wong noted, Singapore remains “deeply invested in Indonesia’s success.”
The leaders also discussed the increasing role of digital innovation, committing to leverage technology to strengthen cross-border trade. Digital tools and platforms can streamline trade, minimize costs, and improve efficiency, potentially benefiting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both countries. Singapore and Indonesia’s governments aim to collaborate on advancing digital payment systems, e-commerce regulations, and cybersecurity to create a more cohesive digital economy.
Furthermore, healthcare is emerging as a promising area for bilateral cooperation, as both nations aim to upgrade medical technologies and improve public health systems. PM Wong and President Prabowo stressed the importance of sharing best practices and technologies in healthcare innovation, particularly as the region recovers from the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food security, a priority in Indonesia’s national development agenda, is another area where both nations see room for enhanced cooperation. Indonesia, with its rich agricultural resources, and Singapore, with its advancements in agri-tech, can complement each other to foster greater food resilience across ASEAN.
“Together, we can create sustainable food solutions for our people by exchanging knowledge, technology, and best practices,” said Wong. He pointed to innovations such as vertical farming, urban agriculture, and advanced food processing technologies as potential areas of collaboration. By merging Singapore’s tech-driven agricultural practices with Indonesia’s extensive agricultural base, the two nations aim to reduce dependency on imports, ensure stable food supplies, and contribute to a sustainable regional food network.
The leaders emphasized energy security as an equally critical focus, with both countries aligning on the urgency of transitioning to clean energy and promoting sustainability. Wong highlighted that energy partnerships could serve as a “new growth engine,” bringing about cross-border energy trade and carbon capture initiatives to benefit the entire region. Singapore and Indonesia are exploring joint projects in solar energy, wind power, and sustainable fuel production. Additionally, discussions touched on the possibility of cross-border carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, which can help both countries meet their emissions targets while fostering new green industries.
For Indonesia, which is aiming to reduce reliance on coal and achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2060, these collaborations are crucial. Singapore’s experience with green technology and its international connectivity can serve as a bridge to access funding and partnerships from global entities. As Wong put it, “Clean energy could be the foundation of a mutually beneficial partnership that not only drives growth but secures a greener future for generations to come.”
PM Wong and President Prabowo took time to acknowledge the legacy of their predecessors in laying a strong foundation for the current Singapore-Indonesia relationship. Leaders from both sides have worked tirelessly over the years to build trust, resolve long-standing disputes, and foster an environment of mutual cooperation.
“Now, as new leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to write a new chapter in our bilateral relations,” said Wong. “Our friendship goes beyond our leadership; it is rooted in shared history, common aspirations, and the values our societies hold dear.” This sentiment was echoed by Prabowo, who emphasized that bilateral ties extend “across all levels of society,” contributing to lasting bonds between citizens of both nations.
Wong’s visit concluded with an invitation to President Prabowo to the upcoming Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat in 2025, a platform that will provide both leaders an opportunity to further cement these commitments. The Leaders’ Retreats have historically served as a space for Singapore and Indonesia to discuss strategic priorities, formalize agreements, and set mutual goals.
As Wong noted, “These retreats are vital for bringing our vision to fruition, assessing progress, and steering our collective efforts to ensure prosperity for both Singapore and Indonesia.” The upcoming retreat will focus on reviewing the progress of ongoing initiatives and exploring new opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that the evolving partnership aligns with regional goals and adapts to new challenges.
President Prabowo emphasized that Singapore is one of Indonesia’s closest allies, both bilaterally and within the framework of ASEAN. In his statement, Prabowo commended Singapore for its consistent support and active role in fostering a unified Southeast Asia. The two leaders underscored the importance of ASEAN integration, agreeing that enhanced collaboration within ASEAN is essential to maintaining stability and economic growth in an increasingly uncertain world.
“As we encounter complex geopolitical realities, it is ASEAN’s strength, cohesion, and unity that will shield the region from adverse impacts and attract sustained foreign investment,” remarked Wong. Both leaders expressed a commitment to using Singapore-Indonesia bilateral cooperation as a model for other ASEAN nations, with the hope of building a more united, resilient bloc.
Prime Minister Wong’s visit began with a symbolic gesture, as he laid a wreath at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta to honor Indonesia’s fallen soldiers. The solemn ceremony was followed by a traditional welcome at the Istana Merdeka, complete with an honor guard and military escort, reflecting the depth of respect and camaraderie shared between the two nations.
Accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking ministers, including Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Minister of State for Digital Development Rahayu Mahzam, Wong’s trip highlights the multi-faceted nature of Singapore’s commitment to Indonesian relations.
