First leaders’ retreat between Prabowo and Wong new momentum for Indonesia-Singapore partnership

An annual Leaders’ Retreat was held between President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, in the Island State on Monday, June 16, 2025.

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, held an annual bilateral Leaders’ Retreat meeting with Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, on Monday, June 16, 2025.

The meeting took place at Parliament House, Singapore, as part of President Prabowo’s first state visit since being inaugurated in October last year, the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat said on Monday.

Before the Leaders’ Retreat session, the two leaders first held a tête-à-tête (one-on-one) meeting to discuss a number of strategic issues.

In his remarks, Lawrence Wong expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s visit and called the momentum of this Leaders’ Retreat an important milestone in a new chapter of bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Once again, I would like to welcome you all to Singapore, and a special welcome to Mr. President on your first state visit to Singapore. We have met many times before, but this visit is special because it is our first state visit, and I am pleased that we are combining it with our annual Leaders’ Retreat, which is also a special tradition between our two countries,” Wong said.

The prime minister also mentioned the close ties that have existed since the previous leadership era. Both leaders also agreed to make this meeting a starting point in strengthening a strategic partnership that is adaptive to the challenges and opportunities in the new era of the region.

“This year’s Leaders’ Retreat is the first for both of us in our current capacities, and I look forward to working with you, Mr. President, and your delegation, as well as your ministers and officials to chart a new path forward in the new era of bilateral relations between our two countries,” he said.

President Prabowo Subianto also expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from the Singaporean Government and congratulated Lawrence Wong on his re-election as prime minister.

The president also recalled his closeness to Singapore since childhood and emphasized the strong personal and historical ties between the leaders of Indonesia and Singapore.

“As you know, I spent my childhood in Singapore. We have a long relationship with Singapore. I think most of the leaders of Indonesia are very close to the leaders of Singapore,” he said.

This annual meeting was attended by a number of ministers from both countries and became an important momentum in strengthening strategic cooperation in various fields.

The two leaders also agreed to continue the collaboration that has been established and explore new opportunities as the dynamics of the region continue to develop.

 

Reporting by Indonesia Window