Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir confirmed full support for Singapore’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship during bilateral talks in Jakarta, laying groundwork for regional stability as leaders prepare for a high-level presidential meeting.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir met with his Singaporean counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, at the Pancasila Building within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta to align regional priorities and bilateral ties. The discussions placed heavy emphasis on regional organization leadership and cross-border environmental challenges.
Bilateral Talks Prioritize Singapore Chairmanship
During a joint press statement following their meeting, Arrmanatha—frequently referred to as Tata—reaffirmed Jakarta’s backing for Singapore’s rotating ASEAN chairmanship set for 2027. The two foreign ministers stressed that the regional bloc must evolve to better serve Southeast Asian communities. Arrmanatha explained that President Prabowo Subianto remains determined to build a solid foundation of national resilience throughout his time in office. However, he emphasized that this national focus does not prevent Indonesia from contributing internationally, asserting that a stronger domestic posture directly benefits neighboring countries and the wider region. In addition, both foreign ministers agreed to deepen economic ties across trade and investment, while also committing to improve direct communication pathways through specialized ministerial and senior-level hotlines to maintain continuous contact.
Indonesia fully supports Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, and we hope to keep ASEAN united, central, and resilient.
Arrmanatha Nasir, Indonesian Foreign Minister (via Kompas)
Arrmanatha added that ASEAN must evolve into a more efficient, effective, and relevant body for its people. In response, Vivian praised Indonesia’s foundational role in regional integration, noting that Jakarta hosts the ASEAN Secretariat and provided the organization’s first secretary-general. Furthermore, Vivian highlighted that Singapore has stood as the largest foreign investor in Indonesia since 2014, pointing to sovereign wealth fund investments as concrete evidence of confidence in the country’s economic horizon.
We look forward to working closely with Indonesia to strengthen ASEAN’s unity, centrality, and resilience during our chairmanship.
Vivian Balakrishnan, Singaporean Foreign Minister (via Antaranews)
Task Force Formed to Tackle Cross-Border Haze
Beyond regional organization matters, the two officials tackled pressing environmental issues, focusing specifically on forest and land fires that generate cross-border haze affecting neighboring countries. Arrmanatha stated that Indonesia is prioritizing fire response efforts under instructions from President Prabowo Subianto, who has mobilized national resources and improved inter-agency coordination. The foreign minister noted that Indonesian authorities intend to review outside assistance offers based on actual requirements on the ground.
President Prabowo Schedules Abrupt Presidential Meeting
Vivian’s visit extended beyond diplomatic talks with the foreign ministry. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed that the Singaporean diplomat requested an urgent meeting with Indonesian leadership following his arrival.
Oh yes, since yesterday morning, the Singaporean Foreign Minister abruptly came to Indonesia and requested time to meet with the President.
Teddy Indra Wijaya, Cabinet Secretary (via Kompas)
President Prabowo is scheduled to receive Vivian briefly, maintaining active channels with immediate Southeast Asian neighbors despite a heavy state agenda.