Singapore and Indonesia have announced the formation of a joint task force aimed at enhancing accountability for forest fires and preventing transboundary haze in Southeast Asia. This initiative, unveiled after a meeting between Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir and Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Jakarta on October 27, will prioritize information sharing, financial intelligence, cross-border evidence gathering, and potential asset recovery from companies implicated in the fires.
The agreement marks a significant step in improving coordination between the two countries to combat businesses suspected of using intentional burning methods for land clearing. Foreign Minister Nasir emphasized Indonesia’s openness to Singapore’s offer to provide information on companies linked to the fires. Minister Balakrishnan stated that Singapore is prepared to leverage its legal and regulatory frameworks, along with additional economic measures, to deter such companies from contributing to transboundary haze.
In recent developments, Singapore’s National Environment Agency has issued notices to companies in Indonesia suspected of contributing to haze pollution. Furthermore, authorities have sought information from Singapore-based companies under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. Meanwhile, Indonesia has mobilized approximately 71,000 ground personnel and 51 aerial units in key provinces to combat the fires, employing tactics like water-bombing and weather modification. Investigations and prosecutions have been initiated against hundreds of individuals and more than 50 companies for fire-related offenses.
Both ministers acknowledged the severe impact of the fires and haze on Indonesian communities, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan. They underscored the need to prevent deliberate burning and ensure that responsible businesses face appropriate consequences. In addition to environmental cooperation, the ministers reiterated their commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations through open dialogue and coordination.
As Singapore and Indonesia approach the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027, the two nations also pledged to continue working together on regional cooperation, which includes strengthening the unity and resilience of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The establishment of a hotline at the ministerial and senior-official levels was also agreed upon to facilitate communication and address any disagreements.