Susilo, Lee agree to boost fight against terrorism
Susilo, Lee agree to boost fight against terrorism
Wahyoe Boedhiwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Tampak Siring/Bali
Two days after powerful bombs hit Bali for a second time,
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Singapore Prime Minister
Lee Hsien Loong met there on Monday and agreed to strengthen the
fight against terrorism.
"This is a war that will continue for a long time," Lee told
reporters in a joint press conference with Susilo after the
bilateral meeting held at Tampak Siring Palace near Ubud,
Gianyar, Bali.
"The terrorists do not recognize boundaries. ASEAN countries
must work closely together -- exchanging intelligence, learning
from one another -- what works and doesn't work," he stressed.
"In this case, the President has publicly said that he was
aware that something was wrong and that he had given a warning
that terrorists were planning something in several locations,"
Lee said.
The prime minister further said that precautions had been
taken. "But, probably the terrorists had to adjust their plan and
finally they were able to let off the bombs," Lee said.
Measures against terrorists must be strong, he added. "We need
intelligence, we need support from people. When terrorists attack
people, they will understand more and support the measure."
Susilo said Indonesia and Singapore had seen progress in
defense and counterterrorism cooperation.
"There is some progress in connection with an agreement to
formulate an extradition treaty. Some articles have been agreed
on in the last five meetings," the President said.
"We will find solutions to any problems that arise," he added.
The extradition treaty covers issues dealing with
counterterrorism, money laundering and other transnational
crimes.
The bilateral meeting also discussed cooperation in the fields
of economy, trade and investment between the two neighboring
countries.
"Indonesia is expecting that Singapore will increase its
investment in the country which is in line with our program to
improve the investment climate," Susilo said. Currently,
Singapore's investment in Indonesia amounts to US$12.1 billion.
The Indonesian government, Susilo said, also invited other
countries to increase their investment in Indonesia.
"I think conditions are progressing positively, especially
with the establishment of Batam island as a free trade zone," the
President said.
In the tourism and transportation sectors, Indonesia and
Singapore have plans to carry out joint tourism promotions. The
two countries have also agreed to work on maritime boundaries and
to improve air transportation cooperation.
"There is a 15 percent increase in seat capacity of Jakarta-
Singapore and Denpasar-Singapore routes," Lee said.