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.