SINGAPORE: Singapore and Indonesia will set up a joint task force to tackle the forest fires which have caused the transboundary haze issue, said the two countries on Tuesday (Oct 27).
Speaking at a joint press conference in Jakarta during a visit by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishan, Indonesia Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir said that Indonesia is committed to working with Singapore and others to bring those responsible to justice.
“Smoke can cross borders, so can money. That is why we must follow the money trail these companies have left behind. Singapore offered to share data on companies linked to the fires, which we welcome as a valuable opportunity,” he said.
“In this context, we discussed establishing a joint task force on strengthening business responsibility. It will link information sharing, financial intelligence, and cross-border evidence gathering, with and where possible hopefully asset recovery. No border should shield those who profit from burning our forests.”
Dr Balakrishnan added that Singapore agrees with the establishment of such a task force.
“And we are in effect putting all the companies on notice that the joint task force will ensure that there is a very close coordination of actions and sharing of information between Indonesia and Singapore,” he said.
Authorities expect the “deterrence impact” of this joint task force “to make a difference,” he added.
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