Singapore denies allegations

The article written by Ardimas Sasdi on Feb. 27 entitled Singapore must take steps to clear ties with RI has misrepresented Singapore's position on bilateral issues.

Ardimas Sasdi alleged that Singapore gives "sanctuary to economic criminals who plundered Indonesia". This is without basis. Singapore takes a strong stance against crime. We are a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the international body formed to fight money laundering and terrorist financing.

We abide by international standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing as laid out by the FATF. Our success as a financial center is built on a track record and reputation for integrity, rigorous supervision and strict enforcement.

It is untrue that Indonesia's "requests (to conclude an extradition agreement) have been spurned by authorities in Singapore". Both sides have been in discussions on the issue. Singapore has conveyed a list of questions on the Indonesian legal system to the Indonesian government, and awaits Indonesia's response to these questions. Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda has acknowledge the ongoing consultations between Singapore and Indonesia, and informed the Indonesian House of Representatives on Feb. 11 that Indonesia welcomed Singapore's moves to cooperate on this issue.

Ardimas has accused Singapore of having "so far closed its eyes to the environmental destruction (of sand quarrying) and sand smuggling". He did not provide any evidence to substantiate his allegation. In fact, a study by the Indonesian Maritime Geological Research and Development Center (PPGL) in April 2003 found no evidence of environmental damage to the Indonesian island of Nipah and also established that Pulau Nipah would not sink.

After the Indonesian government banned all sea sand exports on Feb. 28, 2003, Singapore has stopped importing sea sand from Indonesia. Previously, the import of sea sand was undertaken by commercial contractors, not the Singapore government. The Singapore government has made it clear that it expect these commercial contractors to obey all relevant regulations and practices wherever they obtain sand from. Singapore does not condone smuggling of any kind.

WILLIAM TAN, First Secretary, Singapore Embassy, Jakarta