Prabowo: Economic cooperation main pillar of Indonesia-Singapore relations

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that economic cooperation remains the main pillar of Indonesia-Singapore relations, with enhanced collaboration spanning trade, connectivity, energy, the digital economy, digital ecosystems, cyber security, and food security. “Our economic cooperation remains the main pillar of our relationship. In all fields, we see increased cooperation,” Prabowo said in a joint statement with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday. The President said Indonesia has appointed BPI Danantara to implement cross-border electricity trading cooperation and further trade activities. Both countries also agreed to strengthen collaboration in food and supply chains. Prabowo added that in the defence and security sector, Indonesia and Singapore continue to implement the defence cooperation agreement that has been reached. “A strong partnership is built on trust, not only between governments but also between the peoples of both countries. Therefore, connectivity, tourism, education, and youth cooperation are very important,” Prabowo said. According to the President, this Indonesia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat produced 26 concrete outcomes, consisting of 18 government-to-government cooperation agreements and eight business-to-business agreements. “These achievements reflect the broadening and deepening of our cooperation,” he said. Prabowo noted that the relationship between Indonesia and Singapore is unique and special, as two neighbouring countries that share a common interest in maintaining regional stability and prosperity. The Head of State said both countries share the view that prosperity cannot be achieved without peace and stability, so efforts to maintain both must continue through mutually beneficial cooperation. The President also described the meeting with Prime Minister Wong as intensive, productive, open, and forward-looking. Both leaders agreed to resolve any misunderstandings or differences in perception openly as friends. “We agreed that if there are any misunderstandings or misperceptions, we will resolve them openly as friends,” the President said.