"We must increase collaboration in ASEAN as an anchor for peace and balance, and maintain these good relations," Yudhoyono stated in a press release received here on Thursday.
He conveyed this statement during a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo, at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore on Wednesday (April 23).
He noted that strengthening ASEAN regional collaboration should be more focused on developing a trade and investment ecosystem, as well as supporting food and energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.
Yudhoyono affirmed that Indonesia needs to strengthen its diplomacy to address various geopolitical and economic challenges, as well as respond to strategic issues related to cybersecurity, global supply chains, and energy transformation.
"These pose both challenges and opportunities for ASEAN countries, particularly amid the current tariff wars and increasing economic tensions," he pointed out.
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According to the MPR deputy chairman, amid global challenges and dynamics, there is a growing urgency for Indonesia to enhance diplomacy, explore new potential, and seek more diverse cooperation opportunities.
"Therefore, Indonesia needs to seek different opportunities. We will continue negotiations and expand strategic cooperation in the context of 'million friends and zero enemy',” he stated.
He highlighted that Indonesia's cooperation with Singapore, as its second-largest trading partner, should be directed toward priority sectors.
"Singapore has become our largest source of foreign investment for several years. In the context of geo-economics, our cooperation needs to move towards sectors like green energy, digital economy, and high-tech industry ecosystem,” he explained.
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Translator: Melalusa, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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