PM Wong, Prabowo committed to ‘do what is necessary’ to tackle bilateral issues, including haze: Vivian Balakrishnan
Dr Balakrishnan said Indonesia and Singapore have a “common commitment” to the sanctity of contracts as it reflects the credibility and competitiveness of both sides.
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SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed on Wednesday (Oct 28) that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have communicated and set the political commitment to do whatever is needed to tackle bilateral challenges, including the haze issue.
"Communication has occurred at the highest level between my prime minister and President Prabowo,” said Dr Balakrishnan.
“It sets the political commitment on both sides to do what is necessary, and now we'll have to implement those plans, execute that commitment," he added.
He did not give further details on what was discussed between both leaders.
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Dr Balakrishnan was speaking to Singapore media while on a three-day official visit to the Indonesian capital from Tuesday to Thursday. He called on President Prabowo on Wednesday.
Dr Balakrishnan had met with Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir on Tuesday and announced a joint task force to coordinate investigations into errant companies by sharing information and cross-border evidence.
Singapore and Indonesia also announced a new hotline to handle any differences in bilateral issues.
Tackling the haze issue is a “top national priority” for Mr Prabowo, said Mr Arrmanatha on Tuesday.
“No border should shield those who profit from burning our forests,” he said.
Responding to a question by CNA on Wednesday, Dr Balakrishnan said he was not in a position to give details on the composition of the task force.
He added that "given the commitment at the senior level for both countries, we will get this done quickly, promptly, and effectively".
When asked about the gas contracts issue and how Indonesia and Singapore reached a consensus during his visit, Dr Balakrishnan said Singaporean and Indonesian ministers share a common commitment to the "sanctity of contract".
On Oct 24, Indonesia began reducing natural gas exports to Singapore to divert more supplies to domestic electricity needs.
These cuts are within contractual limits, said Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia on Oct 26.
Speaking at a convention by the People’s Action Party on Sunday, Mr Wong said Singapore expects all parties who have signed commercial contracts for gas supplies to “honour their commitments”, adding that Singapore’s gas importer will take the steps needed to protect its rights and interests.
Dr Balakrishnan said on Wednesday: "All sides understand that there is a reason why signatures and contractual obligations matter … it goes to the credibility and the competitiveness of the economies on both sides."
"Look at actions, not just at words … Contracts mean something, and the sanctity of contract is upheld. That's important."
In his opening remarks on the purpose of his visit, Dr Balakrishnan said that when issues arise, especially transboundary ones, there is a need for "high-level direct communication" between governments.
"You can't conduct diplomacy just by the phone or through the media, with all due respect. There is a need for face-to-face direct explanation, conveying concerns and also looking for solutions," he said.
He said that when dealing with issues such as the haze that affects people on the ground in both Indonesia and Singapore, "politics does get involved".
"But it is essential in times like this to keep looking out for cooperative, collaborative, constructive solutions."
RISE OF RESOURCE NATIONALISM?
Responding to a question about the "rise of resource nationalism" in the region, Dr Balakrishnan said countries could protect their people's and economies' interests while still valuing cooperation.
"Working together and looking after your own needs is not either or ... It's a false dichotomy to make it an 'either-or' dilemma," said Dr Balakrishnan.
Cross-border contracts, he said, help mobilise financing for infrastructure expansion, including energy projects.
"You achieve economies of scale, and you in fact, usually are able to bring down the unit costs of producing energy or other essential supplies," he said.
Dr Balakrishnan noted that the AI revolution and the growth of data centres will require energy.
He added: "Whatever it is, to me, the path of least regret is to continue investing, continue partnerships, continue making contingency plans, and to expand the scale of our national and regional infrastructure."
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