The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), and the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, held the 7th Leaders’ Retreat at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java (29/4). This meeting served as an important momentum for both leaders to discuss various strategic issues at both bilateral and global levels. In a warm and productive meeting, President Jokowi and PM Lee voiced their commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, from political to economic fields, as well as current issues affecting the region and the world. In the political, defense, and security sectors, both leaders welcomed the implementation of the Re-alignment Flight Information Region (FIR) agreement, defense agreement, and extradition agreement between Indonesia and Singapore. President Jokowi emphasized the importance of full implementation of these agreements to ensure the success of cooperation in the political and defense fields.
Regarding economic cooperation, President Jokowi conveyed that Indonesia has offered various investment opportunities to Singapore, including investments in the textile manufacturing sector, green economy, and the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) project. He also appreciated the enthusiasm of Singaporean companies to invest in IKN and hoped for support in the development of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) in Nusantara IKN. In terms of food security, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in technology transfer and exchange of knowledge and technology (IPTEK) in food processing. Indonesia also invited Singapore to play a role as a developer in three halal industrial zones in Bintan, Serang, and Sidoarjo. In the socio-cultural field, President Jokowi stated that discussions included strengthening health transformation through investment in hospital and clinic development, capacity building of medical personnel, health digitalization, and the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for health in Bali. Lastly, regarding education, President Jokowi highlighted the importance of reactivating joint working groups. He also invited Singapore to participate in the 10th World Water Forum to be held in Bali. The meeting also discussed regional and global issues, including efforts to promote peace in the Middle East and strengthen ASEAN centrality. This meeting marks a step forward in bilateral relations between Indonesia and Singapore, and underscores the determination of both leaders to cooperate in facing complex global challenges.
