Singapore pushes more direct flights to Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has expressed support for expanding direct flight connectivity to more destinations across Indonesia to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges.

"Our airlines also launched a new direct flight between Singapore and Pontianak, West Kalimantan, last week. We hope to see direct air links to destinations across Indonesia," Wong said during a joint press statement with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday.

According to Wong, expanding direct flight connectivity will facilitate the mobility of people from both countries, boost tourist arrivals, support the travel industry, and enhance people-to-people exchanges between Indonesia and Singapore.

"It will enable more tourists to experience Indonesia's natural beauty, support the travel industry, and facilitate greater interaction between our peoples," Wong added.

In addition to connectivity, Wong highlighted stronger cooperation in the energy sector. Both countries will develop a solar power project in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, and expand collaboration on cross-border electricity trade.

Wong also reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to strengthening ties between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

He praised President Prabowo's role in fostering closer relations between the two militaries during his tenure as Indonesia's defense minister.

President Prabowo has received Wong at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta for the annual Indonesia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat.

During the meeting, Indonesia and Singapore signed 28 cooperation documents, comprising 18 government-to-government agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and ten agreements between business entities.

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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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