ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Towards the end of the year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore, hosted the launch and public discussion of the book The Next Chapter: Envisioning the Future of Indonesia–Singapore Relations.
The event marked 58 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Singapore and underscored the depth and maturity of their strategic partnership.
Held in Cikini, Jakarta, on December 17, 2025, the event brought together ASEAN ambassadors, the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, leading academics, and representatives from government ministries and institutions that maintain close cooperation with the Government of Singapore.
A Pillar of ASEAN Stability
Opening the event, Zelda Wulan Kartika, Acting Director General for Asia-Pacific and Africa at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Indonesia–Singapore relations represent one of the most mature, stable, and strategic bilateral partnerships in ASEAN.
“For 58 years, Indonesia and Singapore have built a strong partnership grounded in mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity,” she said.
She noted that the strength of this relationship extends beyond bilateral interests, contributing directly to regional stability and ASEAN centrality.
A Visionary Outlook Beyond History
The book The Next Chapter: Envisioning the Future of Indonesia–Singapore Relations is edited by Professor Leo Suryadinata and Dr. Siwage Dharma Negara, featuring contributions from prominent scholars and policy practitioners, including former Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr. Marty Natalegawa.
According to Kartika, the publication goes beyond documenting historical achievements, offering instead a forward-looking strategic framework to address emerging challenges.
“The book encourages a more visionary understanding of Indonesia–Singapore relations, particularly in navigating economic transformation, sustainability agendas, and an increasingly complex global geopolitical landscape,” she explained.
Mapping Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Suryo Pratomo, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Singapore, described the book as a tangible intellectual contribution to deepening mutual understanding and shaping the future trajectory of bilateral relations.
“This book helps map both opportunities and challenges in elevating Indonesia–Singapore cooperation to a higher level in the years ahead,” he said.
As he approaches the conclusion of his tenure, Ambassador Pratomo also expressed his hope to continue contributing to the advancement of bilateral relations, even after stepping down from his official post.
Investment, Security, and Green Cooperation
Over the past decade, Singapore has consistently been Indonesia’s largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI).
Beyond investment flows, the two countries maintain strategic cooperation across a wide range of critical sectors, including: Flight Information Region (FIR) management, Defence cooperation, Extradition agreements, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development, Connectivity and logistics, Renewable energy, Education and human capital development.
This broad spectrum of cooperation reinforces Indonesia–Singapore relations as a key pillar of economic growth and stability in ASEAN.
Safeguarding ASEAN Centrality
The book discussion offered critical perspectives on the future of Indonesia–Singapore relations, exploring new economic opportunities, regional challenges, and the strategic role both countries play in safeguarding stability and ASEAN centrality amid shifting global power dynamics.
Through this initiative, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes the ideas generated will inform policy formulation while strengthening public understanding of the vital role Indonesia–Singapore relations play in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia. (AT Network)
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