1 The Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Singapore today have strengthened their bilateral cooperation with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on women empowerment, child protection and family development between the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (MoWECP) of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) of the Republic of Singapore.
2 The MoU was signed by Her Excellency I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati, Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection, and His Excellency Masagos Zulkifli bin Masagos Mohamad, Minister for Social and Family Development, at the sidelines of the CIFA Regional Symposium & MSF Asian Family Conference. Prior to the MoU signing, both Ministers had a bilateral meeting to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
3 The MoU constitutes the foundation for MoWECP and MSF to undertake cooperative activities on women empowerment, child protection and family development, such as sharing of best practices and exchanges of information, work attachments, participation in events and training programmes conducted by both Ministries.
4 Minister Bintang highlighted that the signing of the MoU would be a valuable support for Indonesia and a historic moment, since it will be the first cooperation between the two ministries especially on the issue of women empowerment, child protection, and family development. The Government of Indonesia hopes that the follow-up of the MoU will quickly be accomplished with programmes and activities in both countries.
5 Minister Masagos underlined the importance of the MoU as a key framework agreement for MoWECP and MSF to deepen their engagements and friendship. It demonstrated the commitment of both Ministries to learn from each other’s best practices and experiences to support women empowerment, enhance child protection and strengthen family development in Indonesia and Singapore.