JAKARTA - Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that Indonesia and Singapore have the same strategic interests to keep the Malacca Strait and the Singapore Strait safe, open, and accessible to all parties.
The statement was made by Wong during a joint statement with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday, July 6.
Wong said the discussion with Prabowo also touched on developments in the Middle East and their impact on Singapore, especially those related to the Malacca Strait.
"We also discussed developments in the Middle East and their implications for Singapore, especially those related to the Malacca Strait," said Wong.
According to Wong, Singapore and Indonesia are coastal countries bordering the Malacca Strait and the Singapore Strait. Therefore, the interests of the two countries in maintaining the shipping lanes run in parallel.
"Both countries have a common interest in upholding the right and freedom of navigation," said Wong.
Wong emphasized the importance of keeping international shipping lanes open to all parties. He also touched on the right of unimpeded transit for ships in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS.
UNCLOS is an international maritime law that serves as a reference for many countries in regulating rights and obligations at sea, including navigation and transit.
"President Prabowo and I agree that we will play our role together with other coastal countries to ensure that the Malacca Strait and the Singapore Strait remain safe, open, and accessible to all parties," said Wong.
For Indonesia, the Malacca Strait is not a distant issue. This route is on the front page of the region and is one of the world's shipping arteries. Disruption in the strait can have an impact on trade, logistics, energy, and regional security.
Wong's statement is in line with Prabowo's stance which emphasizes the importance of guarding the Malacca Strait from security threats, pollution, accidents, and piracy.
Wong also said Singapore and Indonesia agreed on the importance of ASEAN and the centrality of ASEAN. As Singapore prepares to become ASEAN Chair next year, the country will continue to coordinate and consult closely with Indonesia.
"We agreed on the importance of ASEAN and the centrality of ASEAN," Wong said.
According to Wong, Singapore and Indonesia are partners who trust each other. He said both countries have interests in each other's success.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
