S'pore ties: No opportunity lost
AM Hendropriyono's article RI-S'pore ties: Opportunity lost (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 25) is interesting due to the stature of its writer and for its message which is unmistakably "pro- Singapore".
Indonesia and Singapore have to strengthen their relationship based on honesty, sincerity and mutual benefits.
Public perception in Indonesia (perhaps also in Singapore) may hinder the promotion of bilateral ties. Perception may be wrong, but certainly it matters. Do Singaporeans ever imagine how negatively it has impacted alleged Indonesian corruptors run away to Singapore, with a huge amount of illegal money, and without the possibility of being extradited?
Smuggling is certainly a serious problem in Indonesia. It is a reflection of a corrupt system and officials. Indonesia is reforming its legal system to rid this vice. But, domestic legal reforms would not be enough to combat contrabands entering without the cooperation of Singapore to penalize companies or persons operating in that country.
The 1982 Law of the Sea Convention clearly establishes the sovereignty and jurisdiction of coastal states over the Malacca Straits. By working in tandem with the U.S. behind its neighbor's back for a concept to deploy foreign expeditionary force to safeguard the Malacca Strait, Singapore has been insensitive to its neighbors. Indeed, no maritime users has the right to dictate at the expense of the sovereign rights of the coastal states. Furthermore, Singapore seems also to have exaggerated the threat of maritime terrorisme while disregarding other crime activities like smuggling.
The story of sea sand being irresponsibly exported to Singapore which has caused serious evironmental damages in Indonesia is also not helpful. As well, a water supply contract to Singapore, signed in 1970 in dubious circumstances, valid for 100 years, with so cheap a price (Rp 10/liter or US$0.001/liter) and, worse, without the possibility to improve the contract militates against the sense of good faith.
Finally, we believe Hendropriyono may be correct that the arrival of new leadership in Singapore provides a good chance for a fresh, more mature start in nurturing closer ties. But, this may not happen optimally unless both sides are truly sincere to one another.
In this regard, we salute Indonesian officials and diplomats who tried to redress the lopsided bargain involving Indonesia and Singapore. We believe there is no lost opportunity involved when the name of the game is protecting national interest.
R. RAIS Jakarta