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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono met his Singapore counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, in the Foreign Affairs Ministry office in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Both ministers discussed enhancing bilateral ties across various sectors, including energy, food security, investment, and regional stability.
The meeting is part of Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian's three-day working visit to Jakarta on May 11-13, 2026. During the meeting, the two ministers also prepared for the upcoming Indonesia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat.
According to Sugiono, the 60th anniversary of Indonesia and Singapore's relationship next year serves as an opportunity to renew the strategic direction of the two countries' partnership.
"Indonesia and Singapore [have] built a very strong partnership defined by strategic trust, mutual benefit, and shared purpose," Sugiono said in a press conference.
Energy and Investment Cooperation
Sugiono stated that one of the focus areas of discussion is energy cooperation, including cross-border electricity trade and investment in sustainable energy projects.
Vivian, in turn, believed that Indonesia has great potential in the energy sector, ranging from solar energy, geothermal, to hydroelectric power. " In fact, I see Indonesia as a superpower in energy," he said.
According to him, this potential can complement Singapore's position as a center for technology and infrastructure financing in the region.
The two countries are also following up on cross-border electricity trade projects and the development of sustainable industrial areas previously witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during last year's Leaders' Retreat.
Food Security and Industrial Area
In terms of food security, Sugiono stated that the two countries agreed to expand agribusiness partnerships and technology utilization. In the industrial sector, Indonesia and Singapore will continue their cooperation in Batam-Bintan-Karimun and the Kendal Industrial Park in Central Java. The two countries are also exploring "the expansion of joint sustainable industrial zones."
"These initiatives are economic projects, but it is also an opportunity for both of our countries to provide more jobs for our people, create opportunities, and improve livelihoods," Sugiono said.
ASEAN's Stance in the Global Situation
Sugiono and Vivian also discussed the developments in the Middle East, which are seen to directly impact global energy security and supply chains.
"We continue to emphasize the importance of de-escalation, of dialogue, and full respect of international law," Sugiono said. They reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN's unity and centrality amidst global uncertainty.
Vivian also stated that all countries are feeling the impact of the war in the Middle East, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupts energy supplies to Asia and Southeast Asia.
"The inflationary impact of higher energy prices, and also some fairly fundamental challenges to the international rules-based system," he said.
According to him, the cooperation of Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia in maintaining the openness, safety, and vitality of the Malacca and Singapore Straits for international shipping can serve as a positive example for other regions in the world.
Read: Indonesia, Singapore Agree to Boost Defense Ties in Jakarta Meeting
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