Prabowo Embarks on Singapore Visit, Eyes Strategic Bilateral Talks
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has begun an official visit to Singapore, a trip set to focus on strengthening ties between the two nations. The agenda includes high-level meetings and a leaders’ retreat, signaling a commitment to aligning both countries’ strategies.
Presidential Departure and Scheduled Engagements
Prabowo departed from Jakarta on Sunday afternoon, with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka present at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base to see him off. His itinerary includes a state reception and discussions with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at Parliament House on Monday.
A key element of this visit is the leaders’ retreat involving Prabowo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. This gathering will allow the leaders to strategize on significant shared priorities. According to a spokesperson, the retreat is intended to facilitate open dialogue regarding bilateral, regional, and international matters.
“In addition to meeting the Singaporean president, President Prabowo is also scheduled to participate in a bilateral leaders’ retreat with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong,”
—Yusuf Permana, Deputy for Protocols, Press, and Media
Following the visit to Singapore, Prabowo will travel to Russia from June 18 to 20, where he will meet with President Vladimir Putin and deliver a keynote speech at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. This trip follows a trend of increased diplomatic activity. Singapore’s trade with Indonesia in 2023 totalled nearly $57 billion USD, demonstrating the importance of the relationship (Singapore Department of Statistics).
Focus on Bilateral Priorities
During a media briefing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat outlined the visit’s key goals. He emphasized that the retreat will offer a chance to coordinate the administrations on important strategic bilateral projects. The format is designed to encourage frank discussions encompassing a range of subjects.
The leaders’ retreat will occur on June 16, 2025, as Soemirat stated, underlining the timing of these crucial talks. The goal is to ensure both nations are aligned on their new administrations.
