PROFILE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
Official Name | : | Republic of Singapore |
Capital | : | Singapore |
Head of State | : | President Tony Tan Keng Yam |
Head of Government | : | Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong |
Foreign Affairs Minister | : | K.Shanmugam |
Location | : | Located in the southeastern part of Asia which is at
136.8 km north of the equator, between latitudes 103 '38' East Longitude
and 104 '06' east longitude, and an island that lies between Indonesia
and Malaysia. |
Border | : | Singapore is located at the end of the Strait of Malacca, a strategic port city adjacent to Indonesia and Malaysia. |
Area | : | Total area of Singapore with 60 smaller islands that
surround 712.4 km2. The islands are inhabited and have economic value is
Tekong Island, Sentosa Island, Pulau Besar Bukum, Pulau Ayer Chawan and
Pulau Merlimau. In 1997 the Singapore government put Pedra Branca
island which was still in dispute with Malaysia to the official map of
the Republic of Singapore. |
Climate | : | Tropical with high humidity |
Total Population | : | 5.1 million(Department of Statistics, 2011) |
Forms of State | : | Republic |
National Day | : | August 9 (August 9, 1965 is Independence Day in Singapore after a break away from the Federation of Malaysia) |
Ethnic Groups | : | China (76.7%), Malay (14%), India (7,9%), Others (1,45%) |
Official Language | : | Mandarin
(official), Malay (official and national), Tamil (official), English
(language of instruction in the workplace and educational institutions
and government) |
Religion | : | Buddhism, Islam, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Confucian |
Currency | : | Dollar Singapore: the symbol S$ |
MAP OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPOREA BRIEF HISTORY
Singapore's name comes from the Sanskrit word meaning
Lion City, which is becoming known in general since the end of the
first century. Previously known as the Tumasik (Sea Town) which is found
in the Negarakertagama manuscript written by Prapanca in 1365 for the
establishment of the Majapahit empire under the reign of King Hayam
Wuruk (1350-1389). After the decline of the Majapahit kingdom, Singapore
is part of the Sultanate of Malacca founded by Prince Iskandarsyah of
Palembang and Admiral Hang Tuah.
In the mid-17th century, the
ruling British colonial government in India considers necessary to be
able to support the smooth harbor cruise fleet in the trade with China,
as well as to hinder the Dutch forces in the Far East. On January 29,
1819 Raffles landed in Singapore and on February 6, 1819 signed a treaty
on the establishment of Singapore's trade representative with the ruler
at that time, the Sultan Hussein of Johor and the Temenggong
Abdurrachman based in Singapore. Since then, Singapore developed into an
important trading center in the region and linking Asia – Eastern
Europe. In 1824, Singapore became a British after the treaty between the
Dutch - English, Dutch withdrew all objections to British rule in
Singapore. The increasing prosperity of Singapore under British rule has
attracted the Chinese, Indians and Malays from the Peninsula Melaya to
emigrate to Singapore.
At World War II, Singapore fell under
Japanese occupation during 3.5 years. In 1945 Britain returned to power
in Singapore and established a separate colonial government of Malacca
and Penang. In 1957 the British government approved the Singapore became
a self-governing state, but the problem of foreign relations and
defense still held by Britain. To implement this, in 1959 the first
election was held to choose Singapore’s House of Representatives, and on
June 5, 1959 has been set up self-governing state of Singapore with Lee
Kuan Yew as Singapore's first Prime Minister.
PM Malaya,
Tunku Abdul Rahman proposed to strengthen political and security
cooperation, Singapore joined Malaysia in 1963 - 1965 consisting of the
Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah. Indonesia under
President Soekarno was strongly opposed to the time and carry out
political confrontation against the formation of Malaysia. Singapore out
of the Federation 2 years after the ideological conflict between the
state government led by the People's Action Party with the Federal
Government in Kuala Lumpur. Singapore's sovereign officially on August
9, 1965. Yusof bin Ishak was sworn in as President of Singapore and Lee
Kuan Yew remained prime minister.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL SYSTEM
- System of Political Parties
Singapore has a multi-party system with 23 registered
political parties. But in a January 2, 1997 election only six
registered political parties following the elections to choose members
of parliament are:
- People’s Action Party (PAP)
- Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)
- Worker’s Party (WP)
- Singapore People’s Party (SPP)
- National Solidarity Party (NSP)
- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
- Parliament
Singapore is a country shaped by the Republic of
parliamentary system of government. Institutions that hold the
executive, legislative and judicial branches are listed in the
Constitution of Singapore. Singapore Head of State is a President.
Administration carried out by a cabinet led by a Prime Minister. Prime
Minister and his cabinet members appointed by the president among
members of parliament. All members of the cabinet are responsible to
parliament.
- Government System
Singapore adopts a parliamentary democracy with a
form of government of the Republic. The country led by a President
chosen by Act of the President which became effective since November 30,
1991. The Act states that the Presidential election is done once in six
years through a general election. Prime Minister as leader of the
cabinet who underwent daily administration selected from party leaders
who hold the majority in Parliament. With a majority of seats in
parliament from January 2, 1997 election results, the People's Action
Party (PAP) government continues to rule Singapore since 1959.
- Executive Power (President)
According to the constitution, the President is the
Head of State elected for 6 years. President has a veto power over the
state budget proposed by the government. In addition, the President also
has the authority to appoint state officials. Under the Internal
Security Act (ISA), the President can supervise the administration and
investigation on issues of corruption. In his role, President is
assisted by the Advisory Board of the President if the President will
carry out its functions such as the lifting of government officials.
The
Cabinet led by Prime Minister (PM) appointed by the President and
members of parliament by a majority decision in the parliament.
Ministers are appointed by the President through the PM’s proposals
selected from among the members of parliament. The Cabinet is
responsible to Parliament for all government policies. The Cabinet
consists of the Prime Minister and two Deputy Prime Minister, and
ministers in charge of the ministries.
- Legislative Authority (Parliament and President)
Legislative power is held by the Singapore Parliament
and the President. Parliament adopts a single room (unicameral). MPs
numbered 84 people, comprised of 83 elected members of parliament and a
member of the opposition who were given seats in parliament. The elected
MPs are representatives of the constituencies namely Group
Representation Constituencies (GRC). Establishment of GRC is intended to
accommodate the representation of ethnic minorities in Singapore
(majority of Singaporeans are Chinese, while minorities are Malays and
Indians). All members of the GRC must be a member of a political party
or may be independent. Each GRC must have at least one candidate from a
minority group.
In parliament there are also appointed
members of parliament (NMP: Nominated Members of Parliament), which is
intended to reflect the independent views of groups who are not members
of political parties. NMP was appointed by the President for a term of 2
years after considering the proposal of a special commission on
elections in the parliament. Appointment of NMP in parliament meant that
the opposition parties that did not get a seat can also be represented
in parliament.
Parliament has a term of 5 years starting
from its first session. However, it can also be dissolved before the
expiration of his tenure. Elections should be held three months after
parliament was dissolved. Requirement to vote is a Singapore citizen
whose ages of 21 years and comply with the provisions of the
constitution. Every citizen who has been 21 years can use their right to
vote in secret and compulsory nature.
- Judicial Power
The highest judicial power in Singapore is at the
Supreme Court of Executive influence. The judges in performing their
duties are guaranteed by the Constitution.
- Justice System
Justice agencies in Singapore, among others:
- Supreme Court
Supreme Court consists of the High Court, Court of
Appeal and the Court of Criminal Appeal. Chief Justice and other judges
are appointed by the President and acting on the advice of the Prime
Minister. Today there are eight judges (including Chief Justice) on the
Supreme Court.
- Subordinate Court
Subordinate Court consists of the District Court, Magistrates, Juneville Court and Coroners Court.
District Court is authorized to hear
criminal cases that has a penalty not more than 10 years. In the case
of a civil case, the court is authorized to examine and make decisions
on matters that have a value of not more than S $ 50,000.
Magistrates Court is
authorized to hold a first degree examination of all cases filed in
which there is a chance to bring his case to the High Court. Magistrates
Court the authority to hear civil cases that have a value of between S $
2,000 until S $ 10,000 and criminal cases that have a penalty of not
more than 3 years.
Juneville Court is authorized to examine cases / offenses committed by children aged below 16 years.
High Court has
jurisdiction to try all criminal and civil cases. All criminal cases
that are pleasing to the Capital Punishment should be tried by the High
Court. High Court to check the criminal and civil cases that have been
handled by the lower courts (Subordinate Court).
Court of Appeal examines
against a civil case that has been overcome by the High Court. The
appeal is in the form of reharing. Court of Appeal may order the
examination to be held back.
Judicial Committe of the Privny Council
is the highest appeal court in Singapore, the activities undertaken in
the UK to examine appeals from the Court of Appeal and the Court of
Criminal Appeal.
Syariah Court established
under the provisions of Muslim Law Act according to Islamic law and
adjudicate matters which are involved are citizens who are Muslims and
issues related to marriage, divorce and related matters. Syariah Appeal
Court's decision should be made to the Appeal Board. The Appeal Board
consists of a Chairman and two members appointed by MUIS (Singapore
Islamic Scholars Council) and the decision of the Appeal Board is final.
BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN INDONESIA – SINGAPORESingapore is one of the nearest neighboring country
that has significance role for Indonesia's national interests and the
region’s interests. Geographically, the two countries have direct
borders, thereby encouraging the establishment of relations and
cooperation in various sectors. On the other hand, the proximity of the
geographical position also raises a variety of challenges that can
directly affect the national interest of Indonesia.
Since
diplomatic relations between Indonesia - Singapore officially opened at
the Ambassador level, on 7 September 1967, bilateral relations have been
developing in a good, positive, and constructive way. This is reflected
in the intensity of exchange of visits between leaders and high
officials of both countries are increasing since 2004. In addition,
Indonesia and Singapore have a solid mechanism of bilateral relations in
the form of an annual meeting of the Heads of State to review and
direct the bilateral relations, Minister-level meetings, working groups
and mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
In
terms of the region’s interests, Indonesia and Singapore are the two
important countries in Southeast Asia as a founding member of ASEAN.
Indonesia needs to give priority and attention to fostering and
strengthening relations, cooperation, and solidarity of ASEAN,
especially in strengthening the process of transformation into an ASEAN
Community by 2015.
As one of the nearest neighboring
country, the cooperation between the two countries manifested in various
sectors, in particular that stands out is in the economic field.
Singapore is main trading partner, the largest source of foreign
investment and also the origin of the largest foreign tourists to
Indonesia. Good relations between the two countries are also reflected
in the solidarity of the government and people of Singapore to help
Indonesia in dealing with disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes,
ranging from relief to rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.
- Politics and Security
Bilateral relations between Indonesia - Singapore
generally run well and show progress in a more positive and constructive
to the development of the new cooperation of mutual benefit and the
process of resolving some outstanding issues. This is driven by
intensive communication, and people to people relations are dynamic.
Since 2007 there have been several meetings between the two heads of
state, visits between parliamentarians and senior officials meeting
between the two countries. This in turn will strengthen the
relationship, enhance mutual understanding and foster confidence and
mutual trust. Increased comfort level is reflected in the substantive
achievements, among others, the completion of maritime boundary between
the two countries on the Western region of the Singapore Strait (P.
Nipah - Tuas).
- Economics
Economic relations between Indonesia - Singapore
continues to grow since the complementarity of economic interests of
both countries are very large. Indonesia has a natural and mineral
resources are abundant and the availability of a competitive workforce,
while Singapore has capability in the knowledge sector, networking,
financial resources and technological advance. This is partly indicated
by the increasing volume of trade, investment and tourism.
Main
export products of Indonesia to Singapore, such as : components and
electronic goods, ships and ship parts, aircraft parts, steel,
petrochemical and chemical materials. Meanwhile, opportunities can still
be improved its market share is an electronic component, spares ship,
chemicals, agricultural products, especially vegetables and fruits,
processed food products, fishery products, and hospitality equipment.
Singapore
also has a very strategic area of investment because it is a reference
to more than 5,000 representative offices of multinational companies
that will develop business in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, business groups
in Singapore are also beginning to explore investment opportunities
"beyond Jakarta", among others, in West Java, Central Java, East Java,
South Sulawesi, North Sumatra, East Kalimantan and Riau Island and Riau
mainland.
Economically, Indonesia is the fourth largest
trading partner for Singapore. While Singapore is the third largest
trading partner for Indonesia, after Japan and the United States. In
2010, total trade value between the two countries reached US$ 33.9
billion, up 31.5% of the total trade value in 2009 reaching US$ 25.8
billion. While the January-November 2011 Total trade value two countries
reached US$ 41.08 billion, up 33% of which Indonesia had a deficit of
US$ -6.63 billion.
In the field of investment, for
Singapore, Indonesia is the fourth largest investment destination after
China, the UK and Malaysia. As for Indonesia, in recent years, Singapore
is the largest source of foreign investment. In 2010, reaching an
investment value of over US$ 5.1 billion in 537 projects. In 2011,
Singapore remained the largest source of foreign investment with an
investment of US$ 5.1 billion in 754 projects.
In the field
of tourism, Singapore is the largest country of origin of foreign
tourists in Indonesia. In 2010 from a total of 7 million tourists
visiting Indonesia, 1.2 million tourists were from Singapore.
In
the field of employment, Singapore is one of the main destinations for
the placement of Indonesian workers, not only from the informal sector,
but also the formal sector. Currently from 197,970 Indonesian citizens
registered in Singapore, about 117,146 workers, 16,909 ABK, 14,767
Indonesian professionals working in various companies and students
numbering 24,560.
Both countries are expected to increase
investment promotion trips and capacity development cooperation. This
can be promoted as an effort to accelerate the realization of ASEAN
Connectivity, which is also a major focus of Singapore's foreign policy.
- Social and Culture
Development of relations in the culture field needs
to be done for achieving a better perspective between the two countries
with a broader spectrum. It is expected to reduce the inappropriate
perception of each country and can bridge the common interests between
people in both countries.
Improved socio-cultural relations
will continue to be encouraged through the framework of the
Indonesia-Singapore Friendship Association (ISFA), which was formed in
April 2005, which has been recorded to aid reconstruction of a collapsed
school in Padang earthquake. Cooperation in the education, Indonesia
and Singapore already has MoU on cooperation in education in 2005, which
is updated at Leader’s Retreat meeting in Bogor on the beginning of
March 2012.
- Consular and Citizen Services
Improved quality of services and protection of
citizens and law are to be a top priority. The embassy should
consistently implement the basic principles of public service systems
that emphasize friendly service, cheap, fast and transparent, also
protection of citizens who adhere to the principles of caring and
alignments.
Noting the large number of Indonesian citizens
in Singapore, Indonesian Embassy has made concrete steps in an effort to
improve public services and protection, including ISO 9001:2008
certification for the three main services, namely in the field of
providing services relating to immigration passport and visa; in the
fields of transportation that associated with the service sign on and
sign off for the sailors Indonesia and facilitating the extension of
employment contracts PLRT; forward the principle of care and protection
efforts in the alignments in the form of 24-hour hotline facility to
accommodate a variety of complaints and problems of the people who
require protection measures; providing temporary shelter for PLRT who
face problems with adequate facilities, legal assistance for the citizen
is under sentence of death.