Singapore congratulates Indonesia on 80th Independence Day
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President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (rigt) said Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's attendance at the 2025 National Day Parade reflected the two nations' close friendship.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
SINGAPORE - President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have written to Indonesia’s president to congratulate the country on its 80th Independence Day on Aug 17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement.
Writing to Mr Prabowo Subianto, President Tharman said Indonesia’s transformation, progress and spirit of togetherness since independence in 1945 has been an inspiring story.
He added that Singapore and Indonesia’s ties go far back in history, before both countries gained independence, and that Mr Prabowo’s attendance at the Republic’s 60th National Day Parade (NDP) on Aug 9 reflected the two nations’ close friendship and shared heritage.
“As we celebrate our respective milestones this month, I look forward to the next chapter of our friendship, building on the strong foundation of mutual understanding, trust and respect between our peoples,” said President Tharman.
PM Wong, who is also Minister for Finance, noted in his letter that Indonesia has made remarkable strides in nation-building and economic development, and that Indonesia under Mr Prabowo’s leadership has uplifted the lives of its people by strengthening food and energy security, and developing human capital.
“These achievements are a testament to your vision and decisiveness, as well as the dynamism of the Indonesian people,” he wrote.
PM Wong also thanked the Indonesian leader for his attendance at the 2025 NDP, after Mr Prabowo had made a state visit and attended the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat in June.
PM Wong added that both events were “valuable occasions” to strengthen bilateral ties and chart the way forward for further collaboration in areas like trade and investment, defence, energy and food security.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan also wrote a letter of congratulations to his Indonesian counterpart, Mr Sugiono.
In his letter, Dr Balakrishnan said that Indonesia has become a beacon of progress on the global stage and an economic engine of the region.
Describing Singapore and Indonesia as “close and enduring friends”, he said that he is pleased officials from both foreign ministries are making good progress on the bilateral initiatives discussed between Mr Prabowo and PM Wong at the leaders’ retreat.
Mr Prabowo had earlier shared that the leaders had a very productive and successful retreat, emerging from their meeting with 19 deliverables across many sectors of cooperation, including the green economy.
“I look forward to working closely with you to advance our cooperation on food and energy security, human capital development, defence cooperation, connectivity, trade and investments... (and) also appreciate our strong cooperation at Asean and other international fora,” added Dr Balakrishnan.
