Sugiono and Singapore's Foreign Minister Discuss "ASEAN Golden Triangle", Planning This
Relations between Indonesia and Singapore are heating up in a positive sense. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan jointly addressed efforts to revive the “ASEAN Golden Triangle” concept or SIJORI cooperation (Singapore-Johor-Riau Islands).
This was stated by Vivian during a bilateral meeting with Sugiono at the Pancasila Building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (12/5/2026). According to her, cooperation between Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia has great potential to become a new growth engine for the region.
“We are also seeking opportunities for Singapore and Indonesia to work more closely with Malaysia. For example, to renew Singapore-Johor-Riau Islands cooperation or SIJORI,” Vivian said.
“This is a partnership that I believe can bring tremendous benefits to all three countries,” she continued.
The SIJORI concept was popular in the 1990s as a subregional economic zone connecting Singapore’s strengths in capital and services with industrial areas and labour in Johor and the Riau Islands. Now, amid global uncertainties and world geopolitical tensions, Singapore sees the concept as relevant to revive, particularly to strengthen transportation connectivity, digital projects, and green energy development in ASEAN.
In addition to discussing SIJORI, Vivian emphasised that current bilateral relations between Indonesia and Singapore are in very good condition. She noted that the two countries continue to support each other through various global crises, from the Covid-19 pandemic to the Middle East conflict.
“We have stood together in good times and bad. We support each other and will get through this crisis together,” she said.
Vivian also highlighted the implementation of the Expanded Framework Agreement, which took effect in March 2024. This covers defence cooperation, airspace management, and law enforcement.
In the economic sector, Singapore remains Indonesia’s largest foreign investor for more than a decade. According to Vivian, this reflects Singapore’s strong confidence in Indonesia’s long-term economic prospects.
“This is not just words. Just follow the investment flows. The fact that we continue to invest is a form of confidence in Indonesia’s potential,” she said.
She cited several rapidly developing bilateral projects, such as the Nongsa Digital Park in Batam and the Kendal Industrial Area in Central Java. Moreover, Vivian touched on the importance of maintaining stability in global trade routes, including the Malacca Strait and Singapore Strait, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and threats of global energy supply disruptions.
According to her, the success of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore in keeping shipping lanes safe and open can serve as a positive example for the world. “The success of cooperation in this region can be a positive example for other regions in the world,” she concluded.