Handover of Assistance to Support Indonesia’s Efforts to Overcome COVID-19, 9 July 2021

Singapore stands in solidarity with Indonesia against the surge of COVID-19. In response to Indonesia’s request, the Singapore Government has provided an initial tranche of medical supplies and equipment including oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, ventilators and personal protective equipment such as surgical and N95 masks, gloves, and gowns to support Indonesia’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The Singapore Armed Forces will transport the supplies and equipment to Indonesia. Two Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft left Paya Lebar Air Base for Jakarta, Indonesia this morning.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan handed over Singapore’s assistance to Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Singapore Suryo Pratomo earlier today at Paya Lebar Air Base. In his remarks, Minister Balakrishnan reaffirmed that as close neighbours and partners, Singapore and Indonesia will continue to support each other in overcoming the challenges presented by COVID-19. Minister Balakrishnan’s remarks are enclosed. Multiple government agencies in both Singapore and Indonesia worked in close cooperation to arrange the dispatch of the medical supplies at short notice. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

9 JULY 2021

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN’S REMARKS AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE HANDOVER OF ASSISTANCE TO INDONESIA, PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE, 9 JULY 2021 AT 0745 HRS

Ambassador Suryo Pratomo, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we are here this morning to send off our initial tranche of assistance to our close neighbour, the Republic of Indonesia.

For the last one and a half years, we have all been coping with the unprecedented challenge that COVID-19 has caused us. And of course, in the last few months, with the spread of the Delta variant across the world, this challenge has intensified. The situation in Indonesia right now is also due to the spread of the Delta variant, and as close neighbours and partners, we stand in solidarity with all the people of Indonesia.

Today, you see the two planes which represent our first tranche – they carry ventilators, oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders. There are also equipment including PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and other supplies needed for the medical response. If you think back over the past one and a half years in the initial phase, I remember early last year, we had also supported Indonesia by sending test kits and other equipment. In return – I think many people may not be aware – when we had to establish community care facilities very quickly, the Republic of Indonesia was very helpful to us in supplying essential equipment and furniture which we needed to outfit this. So now, at their point in need, we stand in solidarity with them in support. It is this kind of mutual support that represents the strength of our relationship – not just at the government-to-government level, but at the people-to people-level. So Ambassador, this is a physical manifestation of the strength of our relationship and our solidarity with the people of Indonesia.

The SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) and TNI (Indonesian National Defence Forces) are also working very closely together. This operation would not be possible if not for the direct participation of the SAF and TNI. So we thank our men in green and blue around here. In fact, the additional tranche of assistance will also be delivered through the Republic of Singapore Navy. This is a whole-of-Government, whole-of-Singapore effort to stand with our brothers and sisters and the men in uniform in the Republic of Indonesia. Thank you.

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Photo Caption: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan delivering remarks to media at the ceremony for the handover of Singapore’s assistance to Indonesia at Paya Lebar Air Base.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo Caption: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Indonesian Ambassador Suryo Pratomo with the Republic of Singapore Air Force Mission Crew.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo Caption: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Indonesian Ambassador Suryo Pratomo inspecting the medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen cylinders, for Indonesia.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo Caption: Singapore’s assistance package being loaded into the Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Defence, Singapore

Photo Caption: Singapore’s assistance package being loaded into the Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Defence, Singapore