SMS Maliki: This is my first official visit to Batam and Riau Islands (KEPRI) Province as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visit is part of our efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between Singapore and Indonesia. Singapore and Indonesia have established diplomatic ties almost fifty years ago. So next year, we celebrate fifty years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Indonesia. As we continue to strengthen the relationship through working with Jakarta, we also believe that it is good for us to continue to strengthen relationships with the various provinces. I visited Medan, North Sumatra Province yesterday, and I arrived in KEPRI today to explore possible areas of collaboration and seek new opportunities in Batam.
There are many visitors from Singapore to Batam. Tourism is one of Batam’s greatest attractions. We also have many investors from Singapore in Batam. Singapore is one of the top investors in Batam – over 65% of the investments in Batam are from Singapore. I think there is a lot of potential for us to continue to work with the provinces. I am very happy to be here, make new friends, and at the same time, continue to strengthen the relationship between Singapore and Batam and KEPRI.
Media: Is (the visit) something to do with (the) tax amnesty (programme) that the Indonesian government just released?
SMS Maliki: We have had discussions and we have reassured, particularly the businessmen, that Singapore respects Indonesia’s tax amnesty programme. We have in place systems that follow international standards. And to reassure everyone again, Singapore has not done anything to thwart the tax amnesty programme as was reported from some other places. We continue to support and will continue to work together with the Indonesian government on this.
Media: For the “supporting” (sic) for the investors from Singapore to come to Batam. What about it, from the (perspective of) foreign affairs?
SMS Maliki: Our objective is to continue to look at how Batam and KEPRI can continue to succeed economically and how Singapore can be part of that process. We are very interested to continue to be a part of this neighbourhood and to strengthen the economic ties (between Singapore and KEPRI). But beyond the economic ties, we also want to explore various opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations in terms of people-to-people connections. I think it is important for us to encourage our citizens to get to know each other, especially our youths. They are going to be the future of both countries and it is for them to continue to strengthen that relationship so that the relationship can go further in their generation.
Media: We know that you have just come from the Governor’s office. Would it be for the same reason?
SMS Maliki: Yes of course. When I come to a province like KEPRI, I want to meet my counterparts, meet friends, as well as meet the leadership of the provinces. I met the KEPRI Governor earlier and we discussed areas of collaboration of mutual interest and benefit between Singapore and KEPRI.
Media: Happy Independence Day, Sir.
SMS Maliki: Thank you.