MFA Spokesman's Comments on Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry's response to NEA obtaining court warrant against the director of an Indonesian company, 13 May 2016

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPOKESMAN’S COMMENTS

          In response to media queries on comments made by the Spokesman of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KEMLU), Mr Arrmanatha Nasir, about the National Environment Agency (NEA)’s court warrant against the director of an Indonesian company suspected of contributing to the 2015 haze episode, the MFA Spokesman said:

          “Mr Arrmanatha’s remarks are puzzling.  He reportedly said that the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore has “strongly protested” NEA’s actions.  We have, however, not yet received any representation from the Indonesian Embassy. 

          The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA)’s purpose is to prosecute and deter entities that are responsible for transboundary haze pollution in Singapore, whether Singaporean or foreign, as well as persons holding positions of responsibility in these entities.  The THPA is consistent with international law, which allows a country to take appropriate action to protect itself from external acts which cause harm within the country.  It does not encroach upon the sovereignty of any specific country.  The THPA adds to the collective efforts to hold errant companies accountable for their irresponsible actions which have been affecting the well-being of people in the region, including the people of Indonesia who have been the worst affected.  We are therefore puzzled as to why Indonesia does not welcome these efforts.

         Singapore has also repeatedly asked the Indonesian Government to share with us information on companies suspected of illegal burning in Indonesia, so that appropriate investigations and action can be taken against them under the THPA. We have in fact informed the Indonesian Government about the companies which have been served THPA notices.  We have yet to receive any information.

         We remain committed to working with the Indonesian Government to tackle the haze issue in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect for each other’s laws.” 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

13 MAY 2016