IBC Discusses BBK Connectivity and Green Investment in Singapore

Jakarta, 7 July 2025 - The Indonesian Business Council (IBC) wrapped up its Singapore Roadshow on July 2–4, 2025, with a series of strategic meetings with government officials, research institutions, business communities, and international media. The visit aimed to strengthen IBC’s global reach and promote the upcoming Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2026, which will take place on February 3–4, 2026, in Jakarta.

During the visit, the IBC delegation met with Gan Kim Yong, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry. They discussed Indonesia’s private sector role in supporting the BBK economic corridor and the 500 MW cross-border energy project. This aligns with the 17th BBK Working Group Meeting outcomes, which identified over 180 priority projects in the BBK region, with investments realized in Batam (USD 3.26 billion), Bintan (USD 118.3 million), and Karimun (USD 1.29 billion) in 2024. 

IBC also visited the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) to learn about top investment policies and innovation incentives that could be adapted in Indonesia. They also met Temasek International to explore strategic partnerships ahead of IES 2026. 

The delegation held discussions with the Hinrich Foundation on how sustainable free trade agreements can support Indonesian MSMEs. At the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, they explored research on Indonesia’s diplomacy in ASEAN and foreign policy recommendations to strengthen the country’s global position. Meanwhile, a meeting with the Asia Competitiveness Institute at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy focused on improving provincial competitiveness and plans for developing a port in West Kalimantan.

Beyond research and education, IBC met with the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore to present IES 2026's strategy and direction to the Ambassador and diplomatic staff, ensuring alignment among key stakeholders. They also hosted a Lunch Dialogue with Ambassador Chan Heng Chee, Prof. Simon Tay, and Dr. Manu Bhaskaran, discussing how Indonesia can confidently adopt Singapore’s best practices—a concept they call “copy with pride”—as a foundation for domestic economic transformation.

The discussion continued with Sembcorp, focusing on industrial zone development and energy transition projects, in line with commitments made during the Annual Leaders’ Retreat between President Prabowo Subianto and PM Lawrence Wong. IBC also met with Bain & Company to explore how Indonesia can navigate multipolar global challenges—from capital shifts and demographic changes to post-globalization dynamics—while learning from Bain’s three key strategy pillars: adaptability, agility, and alignment. The session also highlighted Bain’s “Engine 2” model to drive innovation through renewable energy transition, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and workforce upskilling.

“This roadshow reflects IBC’s unified efforts—from diplomatic engagement at the Embassy, policy dialogue with Bain & Company, joint research with think tanks, to corporate partnerships with Sembcorp and Temasek—all aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, green investment, and sustainable research as a solid foundation for the upcoming Indonesia Economic Summit 2026,” said Sofyan Djalil, CEO of IBC.

Meanwhile, Wiliam Sabandar, COO of IBC, added, “Cross-sector collaboration is key to boosting Indonesia’s competitiveness. Our discussions with organizations like the Hinrich Foundation, ISEAS, and the EDB opened up real opportunities for research, investment, and technology transfer. We look forward to continuing these partnerships after the roadshow.”