Challenge to foreign office

Challenge to foreign office

From Koran Tempo

The Singaporean government has invited Indonesian authorities to file a lawsuit against Agus Anwar, the former proprietor of Bank Pelita and Bank Istismarat who still owes US$47.3 million to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (Tempo Interaktif, April 1).

This case is embarrassing because an individual with such big liabilities to the state can easily travel abroad and even secure citizenship from Singapore.

Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be capable of engaging in diplomacy in this case. Otherwise, Singapore could become a safe haven for unscrupulous conglomerate bosses.

On the other hand, Singapore should also avoid granting citizenship in such cases that involve great scandal in a neighboring country. Or Singapore need not be concerned about it as long as it enjoys the capital flight. So, the foreign office should be stern and bold enough.

ITENG Jakarta