'Deep appreciation' for Indonesian search & rescue efforts on Mt Dukono: Vivian Balakrishnan

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan has expressed his gratitude to Indonesian Search and Rescue (SAR) teams after an incident at the volcanic Mount Dukono on May 8 left three people dead, two Singaporeans and one Indonesian.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in Jakarta, Vivian said more than 150 Indonesian SAR personnel were deployed to the site under extremely challenging conditions.

He noted that rescuers were operating while the volcano was still active and amid difficult weather, describing the mission as one that involved significant risk to those on the ground.

The response had not gone unnoticed in Singapore, with Vivian adding that many following the operation closely and were concerned for the safety of the SAR teams involved.

He expressed appreciation for the Indonesian teams’ efforts, saying that, “these sorts of things, you cannot pay for or demand; you just hope and you rely on the strength of the relationship between our two countries.”

Strong bilateral ties reaffirmed

Beyond the incident, Vivian and Sugiono also reviewed broader bilateral ties, which both sides described as strong and longstanding.

Singapore and Indonesia have continued to support each other through major global challenges in recent years, with steady progress in areas such as defence, airspace and law enforcement cooperation under the Expanded Framework Agreements.

Vivian added that the agreements reflect the close ties between the two countries and their ability to work constructively through complex and long-standing issues.

Cooperation in economy and regional stability

On economic ties, both countries remain key partners, with continued collaboration in investment projects and growth areas such as the digital and green economy.

There are also ongoing efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and energy cooperation, including cross-border electricity trading projects.

Vivian mentioned the Singapore-Johor-Riau Islands (SIJORI) partnership as an example of Singapore and Indonesia working more closely with Malaysia.

He also touched on wider geopolitical developments, including global energy disruptions stemming from the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, and tensions affecting the international order, stressing the importance of maintaining stability and rules-based cooperation.

He concluded by thanking Sugiono for the close partnership between both countries and reaffirming continued cooperation moving forward.