MFA Press Statement: Visit by the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to Jakarta on 21 June 2013

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan travelled to Jakarta on 21 June 2013 as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s Special Envoy, to personally deliver Prime Minister Lee’s letter to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the haze problem. Minister Balakrishnan met with Indonesian Environment Minister Prof Dr Balthasar Kambuaya to deliver the letter.

In his letter, Prime Minister Lee noted that he and President Yudhoyono had agreed to cooperate to combat transboundary pollution at their recent Leaders’ Retreat in Singa­pore in April. He conveyed his grave concern at the impact the severe haze was having on Singapore and Singa­poreans, and urged Indonesia to take timely and concrete actions to solve the problem. Prime Minister Lee offered Singapore’s help to put out the fires in Sumatra, including an aircraft for cloud seeding, and satellite pictures and hotspot coordinates to identify the culprits involved in the illegal burning. He also encouraged Indonesia to ratify the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

Minister Balthasar acknowledged Singapore’s concerns and informed Minister Balakrishnan of the measures Indonesia had taken to combat the fires in Sumatra. This included water bombing and investigating plantation companies involved in illegal burning activities. Minister Balthasar also agreed to convene the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze earlier than the original date in August 2013. Minister Balthasar promised to consider Singapore’s offer of assistance and explore how both countries could follow up on the suggestions in Prime Minister Lee’s letter.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
21 JUNE 2013