Message By HE Mr Edward Lee Singapore Ambassador To The Republic of Indonesia
Message By HE Mr Edward Lee Singapore Ambassador To The Republic of Indonesia
On The Occasion Of The 29th Anniversary Of Singapore's Independence
1. Singapore celebrates its 29th National Day today. Just as
Singapore achieved its independence on 9th August 1965 in a period
of transition, today we are also witnessing an era of change both
internationally and in the region. The evolving regional order
presents challenges and opportunities. Amidst the inherent fluidity,
one certainty is the strong bilateral relationship between Singapore
and Indonesia.
2. This strong relationship did not occur by accident. It was the
result of a recognition by leaders of both our countries of the
commonality of interests and the need to cooperate to enhance these
interests. With the warm relationship between our leaders setting
the tone, there were regular visits on both sides. The new
generation of leaders in both countries have continued to build on
and expand this relationship.
3. Singapore's close ties with Indonesia also rest on firm
economic foundations. Singapore is Indonesia's fifth largest
investor. As of 31 March 1994, total Singapore investments approved
by Indonesia reached US$4.1 billion*u2*. In recent years, Singapore
has also become Indonesia's third largest trading partner after
Japan and USA. Total trade in January-December 1993 amounted to
US$5.1 billion, compared to US$4.9 billion in 1992. The
Singapore Government continues to encourage Singapore enterprises
to go regional and to invest in Indonesia and the other ASEAN
countries.
4. Our cooperation in the Growth Triangle marks a watershed in
regional economic cooperation. By using the complementary resources
of its partners, Batam Industrial Park has contributed to
Indonesia's export performance and enhanced the competitiveness of
Indonesia and Singapore. The Bintan Beach International Resort
hopes to be a major contributor to Indonesia's earnings from
tourism. Industrial estates will be developed on Bintan for
labor-intensive industries and on Karimun for export-oriented
petroleum processing and storage as well as the ship repair
industry. It is estimated that these developments will result in
additional investments exceeding S$6 billion.
5. There are many other areas where Singapore and Indonesia have
cooperated closely. Human resource development will be an increasing
focus of cooperation. The National University of Singapore has
offered awards for post-graduate courses while Singapore's Ministry
of Education offers scholarships for high school and pre-university
students. I am encouraged by the interest of Indonesian students in
undertaking university level and other courses in Singapore. In
1993, many Indonesians also availed themselves of Singapore's ASEAN
Training Awards and Colombo Plan Awards, tenable in Singapore, in
various fields. It is my belief that cooperation in human resource
development will strengthen the bonds of friendship between
Indonesia and Singapore.
6. Singapore and Indonesia have also agreed, for mutual benefit,
to step up cooperation in promoting tourism in both countries.
Joining forces will increase the already large numbers of tourists
who visit us yearly.
7. The close cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore has also
been undertaken within the framework of ASEAN cooperation as well as
in multilateral form much as APEC. Singapore and Indonesia have
always consulted closely with the other ASEAN countries to
strengthen ASEAN cooperation and keep it relevant in today's fast-
changing world. ASEAN has embarked on greater economic integration
and cooperation to maintain its competitive edge and relevance. The
implementation and progress of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)
which was launched in 1993 is an excellent example of the strides
being made in economic cooperation. Within APEC, Singapore,
Indonesia and other like-minded countries are working together to
ensure the success of the upcoming APEC Leaders' Meeting in
Indonesia by, inter alia, ensuring that developing member-countries
benefit from APEC.
8. The bilateral relationship between the Singapore Armed Forces
and ABRI has also been excellent resulting in positive developments
such as Joint Coordinated Patrols which was established last year.
The commissioning of the Air Combat Maneuvering Range in Pekan Baru,
Sumatra in February this year which allows our respective air forces
to conduct effective training is another indicator of good military
relations. Bilateral visits of Singapore and Indonesia military
personnel have been also increasing steadily resulting in closer
ties.
9. Leaders of both countries have along recognized that
cooperation and sharing of knowledge leads to increased trust, and
trust creates favorable conditions for national and regional
growth. I am therefore optimistic about the future of Singapore-
Indonesia relations.