Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo celebrated their continued cooperation at their seventh and final Leaders’ Retreat in Jakarta. The annual meeting, attended by their successors, marked a passing of the guard for both countries. Lee, who announced his resignation earlier this month, will be succeeded by Lawrence Wong, while Widodo will be succeeded by Prabowo Subianto. The leaders met at the Presidential Palace in Bogor to discuss the progress made in bilateral cooperation during their tenures.
During previous meetings, the two countries ratified milestone agreements on defense cooperation, extradition, and airspace, which came into effect this year. This year’s retreat saw the signing of several agreements, including an update on defense cooperation, reflecting the strong defense ties between the two nations. The defense cooperation agreement will enhance Singapore’s ability to conduct naval and military exercises, particularly in the South China Sea. Widodo and Lee also discussed regional and global issues, with a focus on promoting peace in the Middle East and strengthening ASEAN centrality.
Indonesia and Singapore agreed to cooperate on various areas, including food security, energy transition, digital economy, and healthcare. The development of Indonesia’s new capital on Borneo, Nusantara, was also a topic of discussion, with 29 Singaporean companies expressing interest in investing in the project. Indonesia’s Investment Ministry noted that Singapore was the largest foreign investor last year, with investments exceeding $54 billion. Lee commended Widodo’s vision and leadership, highlighting his impact on ASEAN and the region’s stability and progress.
The leaders emphasized the importance of working together in a spirit of friendship and openness to address complex issues in a pragmatic and mutually beneficial manner. Lee noted the significance of the agreements signed during the retreat, highlighting the cooperative efforts that led to their successful implementation. Both leaders expressed their commitment to continue fostering peace and security in the region, as well as advancing ASEAN’s role on the global stage. Lee acknowledged Indonesia’s economic potential and its positive impact on the region’s prosperity, affirming Singapore’s support for its neighbor’s growth and development.
Overall, the Leaders’ Retreat marked a milestone in the strong and enduring relationship between Singapore and Indonesia, with both leaders expressing confidence in their successors to further enhance bilateral cooperation. The meeting also showcased the commitment of both nations to addressing shared challenges and opportunities, with a focus on promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. As Singapore prepares for a leadership transition and Indonesia welcomes a new president, the continuation of this partnership bodes well for the future of both countries and the broader Southeast Asian region.
