MFA Spokesperson’s Comments in Response to Indonesian Media Reports Carrying Comments Made By the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission Deputy for Enforcement Inspector-General Karyoto

In response to the articles in the Indonesian media carrying comments made by Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Deputy for Enforcement Inspector-General Karyoto, the MFA Spokesperson said:

  “There is no basis to the allegations. Singapore has provided assistance to Indonesia on several past and ongoing investigations. For example, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has assisted the KPK in serving summons requests to persons under investigation. Singapore has also been helpful to the Indonesian authorities by providing confirmation on the whereabouts of specific Indonesian nationals under investigation. Singapore facilitated a visit by the KPK to Singapore in May 2018 to interview a person of interest in their investigations. KPK Deputy Chairman Nawawi Pomolango had noted the KPK’s coordination with CPIB via a public statement on 30 December 2020.

Singapore and Indonesia signed the Extradition Treaty and Defence Cooperation Agreement as a package in April 2007, witnessed by then-President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and PM Lee Hsien Loong. However, both agreements are still pending ratification by the Indonesian House of Representatives.

Nevertheless, Singapore has provided and will continue to provide the necessary assistance to Indonesia, if Singapore receives a request with the necessary information through the appropriate official channels. Singapore and Indonesia are party to the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) in Criminal Matters among Like-minded ASEAN Member Countries, under which cooperation already takes place in line with Singapore’s domestic laws and international obligations. Singapore has repeatedly provided assistance to Indonesia on its MLA requests. Singapore has also worked to strengthen cooperation through ASEAN, where discussions on an ASEAN Extradition Treaty are ongoing.

Singapore is firmly committed to the rule of law and good governance. We will cooperate in law enforcement with Indonesia in accordance with our domestic laws and international obligations. It is not helpful to divert attention or blame to foreign jurisdictions.”

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

9 APRIL 2021