Prabowo and PM Wong Seal 19 Strategic Deals to Bolster Indonesia–Singapore Ties
Main Takeaways
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SINGAPORE, Investortrust.id – President Prabowo Subianto and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong concluded a highly productive annual Leaders’ Retreat on Monday, June 16, 2025, with the signing of 19 strategic agreements spanning defense, investment, food security, and healthcare cooperation.
“This year’s Leaders’ Retreat has been very successful and productive. We held in-depth discussions and reached 19 concrete outcomes across various sectors,” President Prabowo said in a joint press statement.
On defense and security, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the defense cooperation agreement and to swiftly finalize the technical details of designated military training areas. Progress was also made on the long-standing extradition agreement, including updates to the memorandum of understanding between the respective attorney generals.
Singapore remains one of Indonesia’s top foreign investors, and President Prabowo thanked the city-state for its continued trust and collaboration. He expressed a strong desire to deepen economic ties, highlighting progress in six bilateral economic working groups covering special economic zones, agriculture, tourism, labor, and transport.
A notable highlight of the economic talks was the push for cooperation between Singapore’s Temasek Holdings and Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara, especially in renewable energy and low-carbon development across Batam, Bintan, and Karimun.
President Prabowo also welcomed Singapore’s offer to transfer advanced agricultural technologies. These include modern urban farming techniques and sustainable post-harvest practices, which are expected to form the foundation of future food security cooperation under newly signed memorandums.
In the healthcare sector, Indonesia invited Singapore to participate in its ongoing health system transformation, including support for establishing new medical and nursing schools. Discussions also covered opportunities for placing more skilled Indonesian caregivers and elderly care workers in Singapore.
Improving physical connectivity was another key agenda item. President Prabowo announced plans to increase direct flights and upgrade airport infrastructure to boost cross-border mobility and tourism. “I want to see easier and faster access to our airports,” he emphasized.
Concluding the retreat, President Prabowo underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Singapore, which has spanned more than five decades. “I am confident that our bilateral relationship will only grow stronger as trust deepens. I look forward to hosting you and your delegation at next year’s Leaders’ Retreat in Indonesia,” he said.