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.