In a collaborative effort to tackle recurring transboundary haze in Southeast Asia, Singapore and Indonesia have agreed to form a joint task force aimed at holding companies accountable for forest fires. Announced after a meeting in Jakarta on October 27 between Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir and Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, this initiative will enhance coordination in information sharing, financial intelligence, cross-border evidence gathering, and potential asset recovery from companies linked to the fires.
Both nations are intensifying their efforts to combat the environmental and health impacts of forest fires, which have repeatedly compromised air quality across the region. Singapore has offered to share intelligence on companies involved in these activities, which Indonesia has welcomed. Minister Balakrishnan emphasized Singapore’s commitment to using its legal and regulatory measures, and possibly economic actions, to dissuade businesses from contributing to the haze problem.
As part of its ongoing measures, Singapore’s National Environment Agency has issued notices to Indonesian companies suspected of causing haze pollution and requested information from Singapore-based companies under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. Meanwhile, Indonesia has deployed approximately 71,000 ground personnel and 51 aerial units to manage fires in key provinces, alongside water-bombing and weather-modification efforts. Indonesian authorities have also been investigating or prosecuting hundreds of individuals and more than 50 companies for fire-related offenses.
Both foreign ministers highlighted the severe impact of the haze on Indonesian communities, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, and underscored the necessity of preventing intentional burning and ensuring accountability for responsible businesses. Beyond environmental initiatives, the ministers expressed a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations through open dialogue and closer coordination, including the establishment of a ministerial hotline to address potential disagreements swiftly.
As they prepare to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, Singapore and Indonesia have pledged to continue collaborating on regional cooperation efforts, reinforcing the unity and resilience of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
