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