Singaporean Embassy clarifies<\/p>\n
From Kontan<\/p>\n
With reference to a report in Kontan No. 37\/VII\/June 16, 2003
\nunder the title Mengungkap rahasia gelap Singapura (Revealing
\nSingapore's secrets), allow us to clarify as follows:<\/p>\n
Every year for the past 29 years, Singapore, through the
\nSingaporean envoy in Jakarta, has handed over data on the trade
\nbetween Singapore and Indonesia to Indonesia's foreign minister,
\ncoordinating minister for economic affairs and the industry and
\ntrade minister.<\/p>\n
This year, our envoy in Jakarta handed over statistical data
\nof trade directly to Coordinating Minister for the Economy
\nDorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti (on April 21, 2003) and to the Minister
\nof Foreign Affairs Hasan Wirayuda (on May 26, 2003). Our envoy is
\nnow seeking a schedule to see Minister of Trade and Industry Rini
\nSoewandi in order to hand over to her the statistical data of the
\ntrade between Singapore and Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Last year, our envoy handed over this data to Minister Rini on
\nJuly 4, 2002.<\/p>\n
Singapore has consistently notified Indonesia that it has no
\nobjection to Indonesia publishing the data that has been handed
\nover to the relevant Indonesian ministers every year. Therefore,
\nwe were really perplexed when the Indonesian government expressed
\nits intention to \"seek international support to force Singapore
\nto announce trade data\", because Indonesia can freely publish the
\nstatistical data any time.<\/p>\n
It is not surprising to us that there is a discrepancy in the
\ntrade figures maintained by each country. This is very common in
\nthe case of trade data of many countries. We calculate our trade
\nfigures on a basis different from what Indonesia uses. Therefore,
\nwhen these trade figures are printed, a discrepancy is
\nunavoidable. So, we would like to avoid such a misunderstanding.
\nIn the interest of good bilateral relations, the two countries
\nagreed in 1974 to hand over bilateral trade figures.<\/p>\n
Singapore will never condone smuggling. If there is strong
\nevidence that Singaporean laws are being violated, we will
\ninvestigate comprehensively and take stern measures against the
\nperpetrators. Indonesia's efforts to eradicate smuggling in its
\nterritory by means of intensifying patrol activities will help
\nreduce smuggling. We support these efforts.<\/p>\n
WILLIAM TAN, First Secretary, Singaporean Embassy, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/singaporean-embassy-clarifies-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }