Indonesia, Singapore Boost Cross-Sector Strategic Partnerships

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in energy, the digital economy, food security, defense, and human resource development.

The agreement was the main outcome of the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Indonesia–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, July 6, 2026.

President Prabowo said both countries share a common interest in maintaining regional stability and prosperity and are committed to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.

“We agree that our interests must be safeguarded and that we must continue to cooperate for the benefit of both parties,” Prabowo said, as quoted on the official website of the Ministry of State Secretariat.

He described the talks with Prime Minister Wong as intensive, open, and forward‑looking, adding that both countries agreed to resolve differences through open communication.

President Prabowo emphasized that cross‑border electricity trade will boost economic cooperation, with BPI Danantara serving as Indonesia’s implementing agency. Collaboration is also expanding in the digital economy, cybersecurity, food security, and supply chains, while defense cooperation agreements are set to be implemented.

“In the energy sector, the digital economy, the digital ecosystem, and cybersecurity, we have had concrete discussions and achieved significant results. We agreed to continue collaborating in food and supply chains. In defense, we will also implement our cooperation agreement,” he said.

President Prabowo added that bilateral ties are not only based on government‑to‑government cooperation but also on people‑to‑people connections. Strengthening connectivity, tourism, education, and youth cooperation is seen as an important foundation for a long‑term partnership.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wong said Singapore is ready to be Indonesia’s strategic partner in developing new and renewable energy sources.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between BPI Danantara, Keppel Electric, Sembcorp Industries, and Singapore Energy Interconnections to develop cross‑border electricity trading projects, including a solar power project in Morowali, Central Sulawesi.

“Today, we also signed an MoU with Danantara, Keppel Electric, Sembcorp Industries, and Singapore Energy Interconnections. This will provide a clear roadmap for negotiations and discussions between the parties involved in developing these power projects,” PM Wong said.

In addition to expanding economic and energy cooperation, Singapore is encouraging stronger people‑to‑people ties through student exchange programs, improved air connectivity, and enhanced defense cooperation between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

PM Wong said implementing the defense cooperation agreement will create opportunities for closer, mutually beneficial joint military exercises. ***