MFA Press Statement: Visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean to Jakarta, Indonesia, 10 - 12 August 2017

Cutting Singapore’s 52nd birthday cake with our Indonesian friends and colleagues, including Guest-of-Honour Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartarto (photo credit: MCI)

Reaffirming the long-standing ties between Singapore and Indonesia with President Joko Widodo (photo credit: MCI)

     Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean visited Jakarta, Indonesia from 10 to 12 August 2017.  During the visit, DPM Teo officiated at the 52^nd National Day Reception hosted by the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta on 10 August 2017.  DPM Teo also met the Singaporean community living and working in Jakarta at the Singapore Community Day on 12 August 2017.  DPM Teo also conveyed Singapore’s greetings for Indonesia’s upcoming 72^nd Independence Day on 17 August 2017.

     At the National Day Reception, DPM Teo and Indonesian Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartarto reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relationship between Singapore and Indonesia, built on a strong foundation of mutual understanding and respect.  DPM Teo highlighted Singapore’s commitment to working closely with Indonesia, as reflected in our wide-ranging economic, trade, business, defence and security linkages and people-to-people exchanges. Singapore is Indonesia’s largest source of foreign investment and third largest trading partner.  We were also among each other’s two largest sources of tourist arrivals in 2016. We will explore new collaboration in areas such as the digital economy.

     At the Singapore Community Day, DPM Teo underscored the important role Singaporeans in Indonesia can play in enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries.  DPM Teo encouraged greater engagement between both our peoples, and reinforced the need to cherish the harmonious multi-cultural and multi-religious societies in Singapore and Indonesia.

     During the visit, DPM Teo called on Indonesia President Joko Widodo.  DPM Teo and President Widodo welcomed the strong and positive bilateral relationship built up over the past 50 years.  DPM Teo and the President affirmed their commitment to the bilateral partnership, and to deepen cooperation in areas such as the digital economy and vocational skills upgrading.  DPM Teo welcomed President Widodo’s visit to Singapore to attend the upcoming Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat on 7 September.  This will be the marquee event to commemorate RISING50, the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Singapore.

     During his meeting with Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto, DPM Teo reaffirmed the close ties between the security agencies from both countries, and welcomed enhanced bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.  They also exchanged views on regional security issues, including the terrorist threat posed by the Islamic State.

     DPM Teo called on former Indonesia President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.  DPM Teo expressed his appreciation to Dr Yudhoyono for his role in forging the close relationship between Singapore and Indonesia.  DPM Teo and the former President also discussed economic and political developments in Indonesia and the region.

     DPM Teo hosted breakfast for Muhammadiyah Chairman Haedar Nashir.  DPM Teo exchanged views on building a harmonious and tolerant society, and the challenges and best practices in combatting religious extremism. They also explored the possibility of expanding interfaith dialogue between Singapore and Indonesia.

     As part of his trip, DPM met several prominent members of the Indonesian business community, including young entrepreneurs. They discussed government’s role in creating a conducive environment for business and investment, and how entrepreneurs from Singapore and Indonesia could collaborate in emerging areas such as e-commerce and digital technology.

     DPM Teo concludes his visit to Jakarta today.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Singapore

12 August 2017