Singapore and Indonesia have largely enjoyed warm bilateral relations, which have been underpinned by strong economic ties.

Bilateral relations have been tested in recent years, over issues such as airspace control, the transboundary haze and claims that Singapore is a haven for wealthy Indonesians to hide their assets.

But observers such as Mr Keoni Marzuki say that despite the episodic tensions, harmonious bilateral ties for their mutual benefit were maintained.

“Notwithstanding the occasional strain in relations, Indonesia and Singapore developed robust cooperation in defence and security matters… thus enhancing mutual confidence and trust,” said the senior analyst from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.