S'pore ties: No opportunity lost

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