PM Lee welcomes new Indonesian President, expresses desire for greater ties between countries

The swearing in of Indonesia’s new leader Joko Widodo marks the first time an individual without roots in the politics, business or military made it to the Presidential role, signifying a potentially important impact on the country’s welfare, for the better.  As such, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has expressed the wish to strengthen ties between Singapore and Indonesia as he witnessed the Widodo’s inauguration yesterday.  Channel NewsAsia reports that the Prime Minister is open to helping the new president bring in investments for Indonesia, along with helping him introduce significant reforms to the economy. Widodo himself has expressed intent to learn from Singapore’s business figures to aid his strategies and plans for Indonesia.  The two leaders did not discuss the issue of transboundary haze affecting Singapore, but President Widodo has made it clear about his determination to tackle the problem of Sumatran hotspots.  Photo: Joko Widodo Facebook page   Read Also:  Jakarta governor with common touch triumphs in Indonesia elections