Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, jointly led the 15th Indonesia-Singapore Six Bilateral Economic Working Groups Ministerial Meeting (6WG MM) on Sunday, June 15.

Held in Singapore, the session marked a key moment to assess and advance collaboration in six critical economic sectors.

The working groups focus on (1) Batam, Bintan, Karimun (BBK), (2) Investment, (3) Manpower, (4) Transport, (5) Agribusiness, and (6) Tourism.

“Indonesia and Singapore must sustain a complementary economic relationship grounded in mutual interests, trust, and geographical proximity,” said Minister Airlangga.

“Given the rising geo-economic complexities, our partnership is more essential than ever”.

DPM Gan Kim Yong stressed, “It is crucial for our governments to facilitate collaboration between communities and businesses to optimize every opportunity.”

Investment and Digital Sector Acceleration in BBK Region

In the BBK working group, both ministers acknowledged significant interest from investors, particularly in the development of data centers in Nongsa Digital Park. Policies such as visa facilitation were applauded as key enablers.

Investment facilitation is a shared priority, with both countries committed to streamlining regulations and enhancing infrastructure to support project realization.

The ministers highlighted Kendal Industrial Park in the Kendal Special Economic Zone as a successful model, citing its positive impact on job creation and industrial growth.

Clean energy collaboration was another highlight. Initiatives in renewables, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and green financing are central to deepening investment synergies.

Progress in power trading and Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) was also acknowledged as a foundation for sustainable economic expansion.

Upskilling Youth and Fostering Technology Talent

In the manpower working group, Airlangga and Gan reaffirmed their support for youth-focused capacity building, with special emphasis on tech training.

Programs such as Tech-talent and Tech:X were identified as high-potential initiatives that require continued promotion and scaling to meet evolving workforce demands.

Enhancing Agribusiness Innovation and Trade Opportunities

The agribusiness working group examined accelerated collaboration in agricultural technology to unlock new trade potential.

Discussions focused on how these innovations can contribute to food security and create value for the agricultural sectors in both countries.

Tourism and Air Connectivity Expansion as Economic Drivers

Connectivity and tourism remain core to bilateral growth. The ministers welcomed new direct air routes, particularly those linking Singapore to Indonesian tourist destinations such as Labuan Bajo.

“Opening new direct flights to destinations like Labuan Bajo will have a tangible impact on increasing tourist visits and supporting the surrounding economies,” said Minister Airlangga.

In 2024, Indonesia was the second-largest source of tourists to Singapore, contributing 2.5 million visitors, while Singapore was Indonesia’s third-largest with 1.4 million travelers.

The twinning destination, cruise, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) programs are expected to further boost tourism exchanges.

“Cruise programs will be profitable, with new routes from Singapore to Indonesian destinations such as Belitung and other key tourist areas,” said Airlangga.

Joint Report Sets Stage for Leader-Level Review

The outcomes of the ministerial discussions were formalized in a Joint Report to Leaders, to be presented at the Leader’s Retreat on June 16, 2025, in Singapore.

Officials accompanying Minister Airlangga included high-level representatives from various Indonesian ministries and agencies, such as the Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso, Ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo, and other senior delegates from the investment, labor, transportation, and agriculture sectors.

PHOTO: KEMENKO PEREKONOMIAN

This article was created with AI assistance.