Singapore minister engaged Riau Islands leaders on business, tourism, digital and renewable energy.
Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, visited Batam, Riau Islands (KEPRI) Province, Indonesia, from 3 to 4 September 2026 for engagements with government, business and community representatives. His programme included meetings with Riau Islands and Batam leaders, visits to industrial parks, an engagement at Batam Tourism Polytechnic, and the Singapore National Day Reception hosted by the Singapore Consulate-General in Batam.
The visit was Mr Zhulkarnain’s second official visit to Batam since 2025 and focused on the longstanding relationship between Singapore and the Riau Islands. During the programme, Mr Amsakar Achmad, Batam Mayor and BP Batam Chairman, hosted Mr Zhulkarnain to lunch, where they discussed ways to build on the existing connectivity and trust between Singapore and Batam. Mr Zhulkarnain also assured Mr Amsakar of Singapore’s support for Batam’s human capital development through the Singapore Cooperation Programme.
The discussion reflected the close historical links between the two sides. “Singapore and Batam have been linked for centuries by trade, culture, and familial ties,” Mr Zhulkarnain said. He added that the relationship “continues to thrive and prosper in the present”, while identifying digital connectivity and renewable energy as areas where Singapore could do more with Batam.
Mr Zhulkarnain also highlighted Batam’s economic development as part of his assessment of the city’s potential. “Batam’s economy grew 6.76% in 2025, outpacing Indonesia’s national growth, with strong potential in manufacturing, the digital economy and tourism,” he said. He therefore identified manufacturing, digital development and tourism as areas with potential for further engagement.
The working visit also included meetings with Mr Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, Riau Islands Vice Governor, and Ms Li Claudia Chandra, Batam Vice Mayor and BP Batam Vice Chairperson. At the Singapore National Day Reception on 3 September, Mr Zhulkarnain met Mr Iskandarsyah, Karimun Regent, and engaged members of the Singaporean community in the Riau Islands.
Alongside the political and community engagements, Mr Zhulkarnain met Batam business personalities and visited several industrial parks. He also engaged students and faculty at Batam Tourism Polytechnic, linking the visit’s economic discussions with human capital development.
These engagements supported further Singapore–KEPRI cooperation in business, tourism, human capital development, digital development and renewable energy. Mr Zhulkarnain was accompanied by officials from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade and Industry and returned to Singapore on 4 September.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs
