Indonesia and Singapore have agreed on 19 strategic cooperation initiatives across various sectors during the 2025 Indonesia–Singapore Leaders' Retreat held in Singapore.

President Prabowo Subianto described his meeting with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as highly productive, producing tangible breakthroughs to strengthen bilateral ties.

“This year’s Leaders’ Retreat, in my view, was both successful and productive. We had a very meaningful one-on-one discussion and concluded 19 cooperative outcomes spanning different sectors,” said Prabowo in a statement broadcast via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Tuesday (June 17, 2025).

In the area of politics and security, Prabowo reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to strengthening defense cooperation. He noted that the implementation of a previously agreed defense pact would be fast-tracked.

“We reiterated our commitment to fully implement the defense cooperation agreement and finalize all technical details regarding military training zones. I hope this will proceed swiftly,” he explained.

He also highlighted significant progress in the extradition agreement mechanisms between the two countries, describing it as a critical step in enhancing law enforcement.

“This will strengthen our legal enforcement. Furthermore, we welcomed the updated Memorandum of Understanding between our respective Attorneys General,” he said.

On the economic front, President Prabowo praised Singapore’s position as Indonesia’s largest foreign investor, noting that one-third of Indonesia’s foreign direct investment (FDI) last year came from Singapore.

“Singapore will likely remain our top investor. Last year, investment from Singapore accounted for about a third of all FDI into Indonesia. Thank you for the trust you've placed in us,” Prabowo remarked.

He also acknowledged notable progress made by the six bilateral economic working groups, especially in areas such as special economic zones, agriculture, tourism, labor, and transportation. Prabowo expressed optimism about expanding collaboration between Indonesia’s Danantara and Singapore’s Temasek into other strategic areas.

“We hope to build strong partnerships between Temasek and Danantara, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable industrial zones, and development projects in Batam, Bintan, and Karimun focused on low-carbon energy and critical infrastructure,” he said.

Regarding food security, Prabowo welcomed PM Wong’s offer to facilitate the transfer of modern agricultural technologies.

“We warmly welcome Prime Minister Wong’s proposal to create opportunities for technology transfer in modern agriculture, including urban farming and sustainable post-harvest practices,” he added. This cooperation is formalized through a signed memorandum of understanding, establishing the basis for strategic collaboration in food security and agricultural innovation.

In the health sector, President Prabowo invited Singapore’s active participation in Indonesia’s health system reform efforts.

“I intend to open more medical and nursing schools. I believe Singapore’s expertise can greatly support us in this area,” he stated.

In labor matters, Prabowo emphasized the need for a positive work environment for Indonesian migrant workers in Singapore.

“We appreciate the opportunity for Indonesian workers to be employed here in a safe and friendly environment. PM Wong and I agree there is great potential for strengthening cooperation in skilled labor placement between our two nations,” he added.

Regarding connectivity, Prabowo expressed a strong commitment to restoring and even enhancing air traffic to pre-pandemic levels.

“I’ve instructed our ministries to reopen and expand airport access and to redirect international airlines toward Indonesian airports, many of which remain underutilized. Of course, we must also improve infrastructure and safety standards, but I aim for faster and easier access to our airports,” said Prabowo.

Five key memoranda of understanding were signed in front of President Prabowo and Prime Minister Wong: the Joint Report to Leaders from the Six Bilateral Economic Working Groups; the MoU on Food Security and Agricultural Technology; the MoU on Sustainable Industrial Zone Development; the MoU on Cross-Border Electricity Trade; and the MoU on Carbon Capture and Storage. These agreements form the backbone of efforts to support the green economy transition, low-carbon energy, and regional food security.

Additional MoUs were also announced, covering several critical sectors: FIR agreement implementation via civil and military personnel placement at Singapore Air Traffic Control Center (SATCC); extradition agreement implementation; defense cooperation update; mutual recognition of halal certification (signed June 18, 2025); financial arrangements between Bank Indonesia and the Monetary Authority of Singapore; capacity building in maritime HR; prosecutorial cooperation; library management collaboration; establishment of Ciputra SMG Curie Cancer Center (CSCCC); Sembcorp’s solar energy investment in Nusantara; the Batam low-carbon industrial zone by Sembcorp–Panbil Group JV; youth exchange technical arrangements; young farmer development program; and the launch of Scoot flights to and from Kertajati and Padang.