'Smoke can cross borders, so can money': S'pore, Indonesia to set up joint task force to investigate firms linked to forest fires

Singapore and Indonesia will set up a joint task force to hold companies accountable for forest fires.

The initiative was announced by Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir following talks with Singapore foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Oct 27 at a joint press conference.

In announcing the proposed task force, Arrmanatha said that "smoke can cross borders, so can money", which is why he said it was important to follow the money trail these companies leave behind.

Arrmanatha said the they discussed establishing a joint task force on "strengthening business responsibility".

He said the proposed task force would facilitate information sharing, financial intelligence and cross-border evidence gathering with, and when possible, asset recovery.

Keep channels of communication open: Vivian 

Vivian said that he had a fruitful discussion on strengthening Singapore and Indonesia's bilateral ties and tackling shared challenges, including the transboundary haze.

Vivian noted that Singapore and Indonesia share an enduring partnership built on mutual trust and respect.

"We will continue to keep channels of communication open, including through a hotline between the ministries", Vivian said.

Appreciated the efforts of Indonesian President Prabowo

According to Vivian, the joint task force will ensure that there is "very close" coordination between Indonesia and Singapore, and expects the deterrent impact of the joint task force to make a difference.

He also gave his assurance that Singapore will exercise all legal and regulatory power and are prepared to use an even wider range of legal, regulatory and economic measures to deter future violations by companies.

Vivian also said he appreciated the efforts of Indonesian President Prabowo in handling the situation, and noted Prabowo's firm commitment to hold the companies responsible for the fires.