[Update 21 March: DPM Teo Chee Hean confirmed on Facebook that Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto telephoned him to express regret over the inappropriate conduct by the soldiers. Investigations was launched to determine who was responsible for the act.]
So, two Indonesian soldiers decided to do a little cosplay at the Jakarta International Defence Dialogue (JIDD) exhibition Wednesday, causing bilateral ties between Singapore and Indonesia to sour again.
The two marines showed up as terrorist bombers bearing name badges Usman and Harun, two Indonesian marines who bombed MacDonald House in Singapore nearly 50 years ago.
This made Singapore very, very angry, resulting in the Singapore Armed Forces delegation withdrawing from the event.
Here are five other more effective ways Singapore can show Indonesia we mean business (besides writing a statement):
1. Don't eat Indomie
This would dent the Indonesian economy.
2. Don't go Batam
This would really slow down their economic and population growth.
3. Ask our leaders to stop wearing batik shirts for the next five meetings with Indonesia.
Source: Lee Hsien Loong Facebook
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore.
Our leaders will suit up.
And keep calm.
4. Lose the NTU academic documents that have the name "Yudhoyono" on it.
Source: Nanyang Technological University
Source: Major Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono was awarded the Nanyang Outstanding Young Alumni award and has a master's degree in strategic studies from NTU.
Source: Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, an NTU alumnus, is now the Secretary-General of the Democratic Party.
This would really get the attention of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who preferred to let his Foreign Minister handle the tricky situation the last time.
5. Fill all Indonesian flags in with crescent and stars
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