DEPOK (20/05/2026) – The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Indonesia emphasized the importance of maintaining the continuity of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Singapore. While delivering the opening speech (keynote speech) at the international forum Ecosperity Week 2026, the minister stated that the foundation of friendship between the two countries has now transformed beyond the limits of conventional economic cooperation.
Before diplomats, global business figures, investors, and high-ranking international officials, the minister reflected on how trust and intergenerational connectivity have become key assets in facing geopolitical uncertainties in the Asian region.
Reflection on Two Decades and Memories of Jurong West
The speech delivered by the minister combined a formal diplomatic approach with a reflective personal touch. He opened his presentation by recalling his youth when he lived in Singapore more than two decades ago as a young military officer.
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Academic Roots: Twenty years ago, the minister pursued postgraduate studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) with his wife and lived in the Jurong West area.
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Development Perspective: Those past experiences, especially in observing Singapore’s discipline and spatial governance, were acknowledged to have provided many fundamental lessons regarding regional development vision and public service.
“Last year, NTU awarded me the Nanyang Distinguished Alumni Award. I view that award not as a personal achievement, but as a form of honor for the close ties of Indonesia-Singapore partnership friendship that flourishes through education,” said the NTU alumnus in a written statement on Wednesday (20/05).
Personal Diplomacy and Appreciation for Statesmanship
The warmth of the forum was strengthened by the charismatic interaction between the minister and Temasek Chairman Teo Chee Hean. The minister specifically expressed appreciation for Teo’s strategic role, not only as a senior Singaporean statesman but also as a key figure consistently strengthening relations between these two neighboring countries.
For the minister, strong relations between nations are fundamentally bound by the commitment of their leaders, who are always present and maintain trust, even amid the impacts of complex global crises.
Sustainable Collaboration for Asian Resilience
Furthermore, the minister emphasized that the future of Asia’s architecture will greatly depend on the ability of countries within it to foster cooperation that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. Strong synergy between Indonesia and Singapore is expected to become an anchor of stability in Southeast Asia.
During this international working visit to Singapore, the minister was accompanied by functional and structural officials from the Coordinating Ministry, including the Deputy for Coordination of Housing Development and Settlement Infrastructure and Facilities, and Special Staff to the Minister.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Jurong West
Southeast Asia
Nanyang Technological University
Jurong West
Southeast Asia
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