President Prabowo Welcomes Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: On Wednesday, President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to Merdeka Palace for a significant state visit, underscoring the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Indonesia and Singapore.
Prime Minister Wong’s arrival was marked by a grand military escort, featuring cavalry troops and the Presidential Security Guard’s (Paspampres) musical corps, as part of a formal welcoming ceremony. As his vehicle entered the palace grounds, schoolchildren were present to warmly greet him, chanting “Welcome to Indonesia.”
Following the arrival, President Prabowo personally greeted Prime Minister Wong as he exited the vehicle. A formal ceremony then ensued, with the national anthems of both Indonesia and Singapore being played, followed by a 19-gun salute in honor of the visiting dignitary.
The ceremony continued with the inspection of the honor guard by the two leaders, after which they introduced their respective delegations. The Indonesian delegation included Foreign Minister Sugiono, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo.
President Prabowo then invited Prime Minister Wong to participate in a photo session before proceeding to the Kredensial Room to sign the state guestbook. The leaders moved to the Jepara Room afterward for a private tête-à-tête meeting, which provided an opportunity for both to discuss the future direction of Indonesia-Singapore relations.
A press release from Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that the visit serves to reaffirm Singapore’s commitment to deepening its friendship with Indonesia, as well as fostering further collaboration on mutual interests and strengthening bilateral ties.
