Strengthening Bilateral Relations with Singapore, President Prabowo Successfully Conducts First Leader’s Retreat

Singapore – President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto successfully conducted his first state visit to Singapore since being inaugurated in October 2024, which was marked by the implementation of the annual Leaders’ Retreat with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The meeting was an important momentum in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries amidst the geopolitical dynamics of the region.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s presence and called this Leaders’ Retreat a new milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Once again, I would like to welcome you all to Singapore, and a special welcome to the President on your first state visit to Singapore. We have met many times before, but this visit is special because it is our first state visit, and I am pleased that we are combining it with our annual Leaders’ Retreat, which is also a special tradition between our two countries,” said PM Wong.

PM Wong also touched on the close relationship that has existed since the previous leadership era. Both leaders agreed to use this meeting as a starting point in strengthening a strategic partnership that is adaptive to the challenges and opportunities in the new era of the region.

“So this year’s Leaders’ Retreat is the first for both of us in our current capacities, and I look forward to working with you, Mr. President, and your delegation, as well as your ministers and officials to chart a new path forward in the new era of bilateral relations between our two countries,” said PM Wong.

President Prabowo also expressed his deep appreciation for the warm welcome from the Singaporean government. He emphasized that the honor given, including the direct welcome by PM Wong at the airport, reflects the close relationship and mutual respect between the two countries.

“I think this indicates the high value that we place on the relationship and friendship between Singapore and Indonesia,” said President Prabowo.

This warm and productive bilateral meeting was successfully implemented and has resulted in 19 strategic cooperation agreements across sectors, ranging from defense, digital economy, education, to energy transition.

“I think this Leaders’ Retreat was very productive and very successful. We had a very productive meeting, one-on-one, and we produced 19 results in many sectors of cooperation in this year’s retreat,” President Prabowo concluded.*