President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said deepening economic cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore has contributed to his country’s economic growth and had an effect on the improved well-being of the Indonesian people over the years.

“This has a direct impact on the strength of Indonesia-Singapore cooperation,” he told Indonesian media accompanying him yesterday.

Dr Yudhoyono said such ties were possible because the political relationship was stable and well managed, and he was confident his successor Joko Widodo would be committed to preserving and growing these ties after taking office on Oct 20.

Having a similar mindset had also enabled both countries to play a positive role in ensuring that their neighbourhood was stable, peaceful and prospering economically, Dr Yudhoyono added.

… Mr Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies said resolving disputes involving multiple claimants in the South China Sea would be more difficult.