The Singapore-Johor causeway, spanning across the Johor Straits. It is one of two bridges which connect Singapore to Malaysia and Continental Asia. Photo Credit: Calvin Teo, Wikipedia Commons.

The Singapore-Johor causeway, spanning across the Johor Straits. It is one of two bridges which connect Singapore to Malaysia and Continental Asia. Photo Credit: Calvin Teo, Wikipedia Commons.
1 East Asia Pacific Opinion 

How To Navigate Relations Between Indonesia And Singapore In 2024 – OpEd

Simon Hutagalung 0 Comments

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As two close Southeast Asian neighbors and natural partners, a robust Indonesia-Singapore partnership is crucial for regional stability and prosperity. In 2024, ongoing cooperation on critical issues, along with cognizance of possible pitfalls, will help steer this relationship forward.

There are few more important aspects to relations between Indonesia and Singapore than those of an economic nature. Trade between the two is thriving, and Singapore is a significant source of foreign direct investment in Indonesia with much more potential to give. Collaboration in infrastructure—particularly for connectivity throughout the region—means there are economic dividends to be gathered throughout Southeast Asia. Some exciting new areas in the digital economy where both countries are well placed to participate anticipate cooperation.

Another aspect of Indonesia-Singapore bilateral relations is security cooperation. Both nations share concerns about maritime security risks, such as piracy and terrorism. Indonesia and Singapore implemented measures to ensure a secure maritime environment, such as joint patrols and sharing of intelligence. Through regular military exercises and training programs, the forces of both nations can foster interoperability amongst troops of different countries. This is one way for Singapore to strengthen its regional defense capacity.

Cultural and social exchanges between the two nations have a crucial part in creating bridges for more appropriate comprehension. Educational and cultural projects can help form a better mutual comprehension and respect. Allowing for more people to occur, for example, student exchange programs, connecting cultural events, etc. make stronger ties between both societies.

Even though Indonesia-Singapore relations are solid, they may face difficulty in 2024. With other regions like Laos or Singapore actively seeking their position within the region tension can build up from fighting over rule. Within both countries, if the home politics change directions, it might hurt the relationship, and be the main priority of foreign policy. Maritime boundaries that are not yet finalized, and air spaces as well. This will require a continued dialogue and careful watching for any more changes, even as some borders grow more becoming. The increasing competition of the powers from outside gives us the impotent need for staying in the agreement, not the least because of its colorants.

When enhancing ties, we have various approaches. Head-of-state level discussions and exchanges are beneficial in adding mutual trust and effective communication as well as a genuine understanding of a country’s interests. Another is building trust through open and proactive discussions which helps prevent misunderstanding before it becomes a major issue. Working together to solve regional challenges like maritime safety-related or environmental problems should be seen as a joint commitment toward common goals. Finally, educating each side to understand the other’s culture and facilitating people-to-people links to build a healthy and vibrant atmosphere for a relationship to grow and prosper.

A strong partnership between Indonesia and Singapore is beneficial not only for both countries but for Southeast Asia as a whole. By working together on economic development, security, and social exchanges, both countries can make sure that the region has a good and secure future.

Although a few difficulties do lie in wait, they are surmountable, especially since we have worked together in the past and the payoffs are so great. As long as both sides speak out, treat each other civilly, and work on problems together, Indonesia – Singapore relations look bright for 2024 and beyond.

Adding to these dilemmas, there’s another dangerous outcome of the global economic slump: clashes over markets and resources. Yet by combining their strengths and working together as never before, Indonesia and Singapore can ride out the crisis together.

The South China Sea situation, meanwhile, demands vigilant monitoring. This has been the focus of most Southeast Asian eyes. Indonesia, in its role as a regional actor that Singapore, is the loudest in promoting peaceful resolution and ensuring freedom of navigation through its territorial waters under international law, however amateurish the appeal seems.

To sum it up, what could be done about Indonesia-Singapore relationships in the year 2024?

That would mean that, on economics, security, also on social welfare, we continue to work together. To clarify, to continue to work together profitably, we cannot do that unless we know what the problem is and unless we take the initiative to solve the problem. If we do that and we do more of that with each other, then I think our people will be secure and rich, and the region will be secure. The end ended I rather like that smiley face.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own.

Reference

Simon Hutagalung

Simon Hutagalung is a retired diplomat from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and received his master's degree in political science and comparative politics from the City University of New York. The opinions expressed in his articles are his own.

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