Memorandum of Understanding for Judicial Cooperation signing ceremony
The Supreme Courts of Singapore and Indonesia sign a milestone MOU for judicial cooperation, strengthening bilateral ties.
On 7 November 2023, the Supreme Court of Singapore and the Supreme Court of Indonesia came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering bilateral judicial cooperation. This significant event marks a milestone in the collaborative efforts between the two judiciaries, underscoring the robust ties between Singapore and Indonesia.
of Indonesia, Prof Dr Muhammad Syarifuddin (left) at a bilateral meeting, together with Mr
Kwok Fook Seng (right), Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia.
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, along with a delegation from the Supreme Court of Singapore, paid a visit to the Supreme Court of Indonesia from 6 to 8 November 2023. This visit follows an earlier one in March 2023, focusing on developing frameworks for international commercial dispute resolution.
During the visit, Chief Justice Menon engaged in a bilateral meeting with Chief Justice Prof Dr Muhammad Syarifuddin of the Supreme Court of Indonesia. Discussions revolved around strategic avenues of collaboration, including cross-border insolvency and restructuring, matters pertaining to international commercial courts, and opportunities for judicial training and exchanges. Additionally, Chief Justice Menon paid a courtesy call on Judge Dr Liliek P Adi SH MH, the President of the Central Jakarta District Court.
The MOU, signed by Chief Justice Menon and Chief Justice Prof Dr Muhammad Syarifuddin, outlines four specific areas of collaboration: cross-border commercial law, international commercial courts, international commercial dispute resolution, the International Consortium for Court Excellence, and the International Framework for Court Excellence, as well as judicial education and training.
Chief Justice Menon expressed his views on the MOU, stating, “The MOU is a landmark instrument, which lays a firm foundation for the judiciaries of Indonesia and Singapore to deepen and strengthen our bilateral cooperation in areas including international commercial disputes, court excellence, and judicial education and training. The MOU will open up many avenues for collaboration, and pave the way to an enduring and vibrant partnership between our two judiciaries in the years to come.”
Following the MOU signing ceremony, Chief Justice Menon delivered a speech titled “International Mediation and the Role of the Courts” to the Indonesian Judiciary, emphasizing the pivotal role of international mediation in settling family and commercial disputes. He also addressed the ways in which courts can facilitate international mediation.
Further, Chief Justice Menon addressed the audience at the International Seminar on Cross Border Dispute Resolution, organized by the Judicial Research, Development and Training Agency of the Supreme Court of Indonesia. His speech highlighted the significance of international collaboration in the transnational system of commercial justice.
In a panel discussion on contemporary challenges in resolving commercial cross border disputes, Justice Aedit Abdullah and Justice S Mohan provided insights on cross-border insolvency and international arbitration.
Chief Justice Menon’s visit included a fireside chat at the Judicial Training Centre in Bogor, where he engaged in a lively discussion with Indonesian judges and judicial training participants. Topics ranged from the future of judging and the impact of generative artificial intelligence and technology to the importance of lifelong learning and the emergence of international commercial courts.
Source – SG Courts
