Indonesia and Singapore Launch Joint Task Force to Tackle Forest Fires

Jakarta, MINA – Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to establish a joint task force to tackle forest and land fires, including through information sharing and cross-border evidence gathering against companies suspected of involvement.

The agreement was announced by Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir, known as Tata, and Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan following a bilateral meeting at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Arrmanatha said national borders should not shield parties suspected of profiting from forest burning. He explained that the task force would facilitate information exchange, financial intelligence cooperation, cross-border evidence gathering and, where possible, asset recovery.

Singapore has offered to share information on companies linked to forest fires, an initiative welcomed by Indonesia to strengthen investigations and law enforcement.

Arrmanatha said Indonesia had deployed approximately 71,000 personnel on the ground and 51 aerial units in several priority provinces. The response includes water-bombing operations and weather modification efforts.

He added that hundreds of individuals and more than 50 companies had been or were being investigated or prosecuted in connection with forest fires. President Prabowo Subianto had also ordered the revocation of permits held by companies proven to be involved, with 32 companies having faced administrative sanctions, according to Arrmanatha.

Vivian confirmed Singapore’s agreement to establish the task force, saying her country was prepared to use available legal, regulatory and economic measures to prevent similar violations, including those involving companies registered in Singapore.

She also acknowledged Indonesia’s efforts to tackle the fires and praised firefighters working under difficult conditions.

Earlier, Singapore’s National Environment Agency issued preventive action notices to seven companies in Sumatra on October 16 under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. Three additional companies in Kalimantan received notices on October 19, bringing the total to 10.

Under the law, companies found liable for qualifying transboundary haze pollution can face fines of up to S$100,000 per day, subject to a maximum total fine of S$2 million.

Forest and land fires have repeatedly affected Indonesia during the dry season. Land-clearing practices, including the use of fire, are among the causes, while dry conditions can worsen the spread of fires.

The resulting haze can affect neighboring countries, including Singapore and Malaysia, creating public health concerns, disrupting daily activities and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

The recurring problem has also raised questions about corporate responsibility, enforcement and regional cooperation. Investigating businesses operating across borders can present challenges when companies, financial activities and evidence are located in different jurisdictions.

The planned joint task force is intended to improve cooperation between Indonesian and Singaporean authorities in addressing these challenges and pursuing companies suspected of violating environmental laws.

The two countries’ agreement comes as regional governments continue to seek ways to prevent recurring haze episodes through stronger enforcement, improved land management and coordinated action against unlawful burning.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)