Speech by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the State Banquet hosted by His Excellency Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Istana Negara, Jakarta

Your Excellency Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
President of the Republic of Indonesia
and Her Excellency Ibu Ani Yudhoyono

Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        It is a pleasure for my wife and me to be back in Indonesia again. We have visited Indonesia on many occasions, but this is the first time that we are on a State Visit. We are deeply honoured by the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to us by President Yudhoyono, Ibu Ani and the people of Indonesia. The warmth of the Indonesian people has always stood out and made us feel most welcome.  

        I last visited Indonesia in an official capacity in 2005, shortly after Your Excellency became Indonesia’s first directly-elected President. At that time, Indonesia’s recovery from the Asian Financial Crisis was apparent. Seven years hence, I am struck by how much more development has taken place. The country is growing at an impressive rate and its economy has remained resilient even in the face of a global financial crisis. 

        The remarkable transformation of the Indonesian economic landscape is testament to Your Excellency’s leadership. Under Your Excellency’s presidency, Indonesia has been a model of how democracy, development, and Islam can co-exist and prosper. Indonesia has enjoyed eight years of political stability during which broad-based foreign and domestic investments benefitted not only Jakarta but also provinces across the country.

        Indonesia has also made important contributions internationally as both a founding member of ASEAN and a member of the G-20. In the regional and international arena, Indonesia speaks with the confidence and clout of a successful country and constructive global player. 

Your Excellency,

        Singapore and Indonesia are close neighbours. Our relations date back to the time of traders who plied the ancient maritime silk road. Our relations have broadened and deepened considerably since and are underpinned by shared strategic, political and economic interests. We have excellent ties at all levels and cooperate in many areas ranging from defence to education to health.  

        Our two economies are closely intertwined. Bilateral trade has grown to the point that Indonesia was Singapore’s fourth largest trading partner in 2011 and Singapore was Indonesia’s third largest trading partner. Singapore has been Indonesia’s top investor for the last three years.  

        Complementing the political and economic linkages are people-to-people ties. We are each other’s top visitor destinations. Our students have developed better appreciation for each other’s cultures through school-twinning and student-exchange programmes. Our respective arts institutions work together to preserve and promote the heritage of both countries. In fact, their productions and projects emphasise our shared culture and history. Interaction between our officials is regular and positive and Singapore has trained almost 5,000 Indonesian officials under the Singapore Cooperation Programme.  

        Singapore and Indonesia also have a tradition of helping one another. I am happy to have the opportunity during this visit to see how the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) and Mercy Relief work closely with their Indonesian partners to help Indonesians. Strengthening cooperation in these areas will help to deepen mutual understanding between us. I am confident that our friendship can only grow from strength to strength in the years ahead.

Your Excellency,

        Indonesia and Singapore cooperate closely in ASEAN. As founding members, we share a common strategic vision for the region. We support the development of a regional architecture that promotes peace and stability. We are partners in building an ASEAN Community by 2015. Maintaining growth and prosperity in our region will require ASEAN to maintain its centrality. This will help our region manage the complexities of an uncertain international environment. Singapore will continue to work with Indonesia to strengthen ASEAN’s unity and centrality. We also look forward to working closely with Indonesia during Indonesia’s Chairmanship of APEC next year.

Your Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        It now gives me great pleasure to invite you to rise and join me in a toast to:

• the good health and success of President Yudhoyono and Ibu Ani;

• the peace, progress and prosperity of Indonesia; and

• the enduring and close friendship between Indonesia and Singapore.