Singapore PM Hails Indonesia’s Progress on 80th Independence Anniversary

Singapore: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his heartfelt congratulations on the joyous occasion of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day.

"Indonesia has made rapid progress in national and economic development," PM Wong said, as quoted by the MFA Singapore statement on Monday, August 18, 2025.

"Indonesia has established itself as a respected, trusted, and constructive player in ASEAN and on the international stage," PM Wong said.

PM Wong praised the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, who has led Indonesia to take bold steps to improve the lives of its people by strengthening food and energy security, developing human resources, and safeguarding the nation's economic interests.

"These achievements are a testament to your vision and decisiveness, as well as the dynamism of the Indonesian people," PM Wong said.

"Singapore and Indonesia are commemorating our respective historic anniversaries together this year. I greatly appreciate your generosity in joining us at Singapore's National Day Parade to commemorate our 60th anniversary of independence, shortly after your State Visit and the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat in June," PM Wong added.

PM Wong said this was a valuable opportunity to reaffirm our shared strategic vision for bilateral relations and to chart a path forward for further collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, defense, energy, and food security.

PM Wong also looked forward to working closely with President Prabowo to explore new opportunities to strengthen our bilateral relationship for the mutual benefit of the people of Indonesia and Singapore. This includes strong cooperation in ASEAN, where we share a shared interest in regional peace and prosperity.

"Please accept my best wishes for Indonesia's continued growth and progress, and for your health and success," PM Wong concluded.

Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also extended his congratulations. According to him, Indonesia's transformation, progress, and spirit of togetherness since independence in 1945 have been an inspiring story. Indonesia continues to achieve rapid economic growth, elevate its people, and is recognized as a respected voice in the global community.

"This is a testament to our enduring commitment to Indonesia's founding principles, Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggul Ika – Unity in Diversity. Your ideals of harmony and mutual respect are indeed values embraced by the people of Singapore," said President Shanmugaratnam.

President Shanmugaratnam also expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto's attendance at Singapore's 60th National Day Parade, which reflected the strong friendship and shared heritage of our two nations.

Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakhrisnan also extended his congratulations to Minister Sugiono on the occasion of Indonesia's Independence Day.

Please accept my warmest congratulations on the historic milestone of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day. According to Minister Balakhrisnan, Indonesia has much to celebrate on this joyous occasion.

"Indonesia's journey of growth, resilience, and unity has made it a beacon of progress on the global stage. For years, Indonesia has been an economic engine in the region and an active contributor on the international stage. I am confident that Indonesia will reach even greater heights under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto," said Foreign Minister Balakhrisnan.

"Singapore and Indonesia are close and enduring friends. I am pleased that our officials are making good progress on the bilateral initiatives discussed between President Prabowo and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Leaders' Retreat in June," added Foreign Minister Balakhrisnan.

Balakhrisnan looks forward to working closely with Foreign Minister Sugiono to advance our cooperation in the areas of food and energy security, human resource development, defense cooperation, connectivity, trade, and investment. He also appreciated our close collaboration in ASEAN and other international forums.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Balakhrisnan expressed his hope that Foreign Minister Sugiono will soon make an official visit to Singapore to strengthen this cooperation.