February 11, 04:06 AM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 Sound Smarter in Sixty Seconds (SSISS) is a new column by Mothership where we brief you on the important headlines of the day. We will also contribute our views on the issues at hand.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asks Singapore to reflect on its reaction
The Indonesian President also asked whether Singapore's reaction to the naming of the warships was proportional, with his spokesman saying that the President had given serious attention to the issue.
Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that he did not think "that’s a big deal ... I believe that in the short run, medium run, our relations will be there again. No problem."
Second Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing's keynote address at the 7th Asia Pacific Security Conference
Second Defence Minister Chan, who spoke at the Conference yesterday, said countries need wise and strong leaders who appreciate that there is more to gain from cooperation than conflict.
Making no mention of the warship incident, he said that "We also need courageous leaders who do not succumb to domestic pressures or nationalistic pursuits against the greater good of the region, including seeking to right historical wrongs and perceived wrongs when the conditions are still premature."
He highlighted "the wise approach taken by the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping", who declared that some issues were better left to future generations with greater wisdom to resolve. Chan added that the mark of a truly powerful country is how it is able to restrain itself and not have to use its might to get its way and yet convince others to come along its side.
We wait for further developments of this incident, given that the politicians on both sides have given their choice soundbites for the media to devour. The political leaders in Singapore would probably respond thoughtfully to Indonesian President's latest remarks. Business should be back to usual unless the populace of either country kicks up a fuss.
Top photo from Cyberpioneer Facebook.
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