Indonesian President Joko Widodo stressed that it is important for the two neighbours to explore new areas of economic growth. - The Straits Times/ANN
Speaking to The Straits Times on Wednesday ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore for their regular leaders’ retreat on Thursday, Mr Widodo outlined his plans for the flagship project, known as Nusantara. “Singapore is the most important partner for Indonesia,” he said. “The relationship between Singapore and Indonesia is very good and must be continued and improved in the future.The 2,561 sq km project, about three times the size of Singapore, is estimated to cost 466 trillion rupiah . The state will bear 20 per cent of the costs, while Indonesia hopes the private sector will foot the rest.
“Indonesia’s economy is also in a good position. There are many potentials that can be explored,” he said in an exclusive interview with ST at the presidential palace in Jakarta over a nasi padang lunch.