Singapore and Indonesia have taken a significant step towards addressing the persistent problem of forest fires and transboundary haze pollution by agreeing to establish a joint task force. This initiative, announced on October 27 following a meeting between Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir and Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Jakarta, aims to enhance accountability for forest fires by focusing on information sharing, financial intelligence, cross-border evidence gathering, and potential asset recovery from companies implicated in these activities.
The agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to improve coordination and enforcement against businesses suspected of using deliberate burning to clear land, a practice that has repeatedly degraded air quality across Southeast Asia. Singapore has offered to share information regarding companies potentially linked to the fires, an offer welcomed by Indonesia. Balakrishnan stated that Singapore is prepared to leverage its legal and regulatory frameworks, along with economic measures, to deter companies from activities contributing to the haze.
In a proactive move, Singapore’s National Environment Agency has already issued notices to companies in Indonesia suspected of contributing to haze pollution. Additionally, they have requested 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 priority provinces, coupled with water-bombing operations and weather-modification efforts to combat the fires. Indonesian authorities have also been actively investigating and prosecuting hundreds of individuals and over 50 companies for fire-related offenses.
The detrimental impact of these fires on Indonesian communities, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, was a key concern highlighted by both ministers. They emphasized the importance of preventing deliberate burning and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. Beyond environmental collaboration, the ministers also reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening bilateral relations through open dialogue and closer coordination, including the establishment of a hotline at the ministerial and senior-official levels to address disagreements and maintain communication.
As Singapore and Indonesia prepare to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, both governments have pledged to continue their cooperation on regional matters, including efforts to enhance the unity and resilience of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
