29-4-2024 (JAKARTA) In a symbolic celebration of enduring bilateral ties, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong convened for their seventh and final Leaders’ Retreat at the Bogor state palace on April 29. This long-held tradition, where the two nations’ leaders and ministers gather informally each year to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation, took on a particularly poignant tone as both Widodo and Lee prepare to hand over the reins of power to their respective successors in 2024.
Joining the two outgoing leaders were their designated heirs apparent – Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, set to succeed PM Lee on May 15, and Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, who emerged victorious in the country’s presidential election on February 14 and will assume the presidency in October.
The rare eight-eyed meeting, as PM Lee described it, held a “particularly special” significance, marking the culmination of a decade-long partnership that has seen Indonesia-Singapore relations reach new heights. Lee expressed his confidence that the incoming leaders “will continue to bring the relationship to greater heights,” underscoring the shared commitment to building upon the strong foundation and expanding cooperation across various sectors.
“From the present leadership to the next, we committed to look ahead, build on the strong foundation, and expand co-operation,” Lee affirmed during a joint press conference with President Widodo, better known as Jokowi. “I am glad that President Jokowi and I are handing over the bilateral relationship in a good state to our successors. May Singapore-Indonesia ties continue to flourish, far into the future.”
President Widodo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the Leaders’ Retreat serves as “a strong signal for the continuity of co-operation between the two countries, Singapore and Indonesia.”
Both leaders welcomed the progress achieved in several key sectors, including defense and the green economy. Widodo highlighted plans for electricity exports to Singapore, as well as collaboration in technology transfer and the exchange of scientific and technological expertise in food processing. Meanwhile, Lee commended the “excellent progress” in bilateral cooperation across domains such as defense, the digital economy, and the green economy.
The prime minister also lauded the resolution of long-standing issues pertaining to airspace management, defense cooperation, and extradition under an expanded framework that came into force in March 2024. Expressing gratitude to Widodo and his ministers, Lee underscored the spirit of friendship and openness that has enabled the two nations to address even the most complex challenges pragmatically and in a mutually beneficial manner.
Beyond the milestones in bilateral relations, PM Lee also acknowledged Widodo’s contributions to Indonesia and the broader region, highlighting the country’s significance as ASEAN’s largest economy. As the host of the Group of 20 (G-20) Summit in 2022 and the ASEAN Summit in 2023, Indonesia under Widodo’s leadership “has been a constructive voice in a divided world,” Lee remarked.
“With vision and leadership, he has put Indonesia on a strong economic trajectory, confident and optimistic about its path ahead. And raised ASEAN’s standing as a participant in international affairs with a view worth listening to, and with contributions which will make a difference. It has brought stability and progress to Indonesia and the entire region,” he added, underscoring the ripple effect of Indonesia’s prosperity on the region as a whole.
As the curtain falls on a decade of remarkable cooperation between Widodo and Lee, the stage is set for a seamless transition, with incoming leaders poised to forge ahead and solidify Indonesia-Singapore ties for generations to come.
