Singapore and Indonesia will set up a joint task force to investigate companies linked to forest and land fires causing transboundary haze.
The agreement was announced after Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir in Jakarta on 27 October. Indonesia proposed the task force, and Singapore agreed to work together on information sharing and coordinated action.
Sharing Evidence and Following the Money
At their joint press conference, Mr Arrmanatha said Singapore had offered to share data on companies linked to the fires.
“Smoke can cross borders, so can money,” he said, adding that authorities needed to trace the companies’ money trails.
CNA reported that the proposed cooperation would cover information sharing, financial intelligence and gathering evidence across borders. Mr Arrmanatha also raised the possibility of recovering assets where feasible.
He said Indonesia was committed to working with Singapore and other partners to bring those responsible to justice.
Singapore Says Firms Registered Here Will Also Face Action
Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore would act against companies responsible for the haze, including those registered in Singapore.
He said the government would use all available legal and regulatory powers, and was prepared to consider a broader range of legal, regulatory and economic measures to deter future violations.
The task force would allow both countries to coordinate their actions closely and exchange information, which he expected would help deter companies.
Dr Balakrishnan also acknowledged that Indonesians, particularly those in Sumatra and Kalimantan, were the first and primary victims of the haze. He described the fires as a shared problem requiring cooperation and recognised Indonesia’s efforts to fight them.
Joint Effort Follows Singapore’s Specialist Panel Announcement
The agreement follows Singapore’s announcement on 23 October that it would establish a specialist panel to support investigations into companies potentially connected to the fires.
The Ministry of Law said the panel would comprise law firms, audit firms and investigative firms experienced in inquiries across borders.
Companies identified by the government would have to engage professionals from the panel to examine their operations, corporate relationships and supply chains, and submit audits to the government.
Relevant government agencies and the Attorney-General’s Chambers would assess the findings.
Separately, the two foreign ministers agreed to strengthen communication through hotlines at ministerial and senior official levels to manage differences over bilateral issues.
Mr Arrmanatha said the relationship was mature enough for candid discussions, including when the two countries disagreed.
