Jakarta values ties with Singapore, says envoy

The Straits Times, February 28, 2007
By David Boey



FLOOD AID: Mercy Relief's Mr Chan (right, beside the cheque) receiving a cheque from Darussalam Mosque chairman Abdul Mutalif Hashim. Joining them are Mr Wardana (grey suit) and Muis president Mohd Alami Musa (black suit). -- BERITA HARIAN


INDONESIA values its relationship with Singapore, and both countries benefit from each other in areas such as trade, tourism and investment, Jakarta's new envoy here said yesterday.

Mr Wardana - who, like many Indonesians, uses just one name - gave an upbeat assessment of bilateral ties despite recent rumblings to the contrary.

'Singapore is one of our biggest economic partners. Trade continues to grow. The investment (level between the two countries) is also very encouraging and, of course, the tourism sector is also one of our priorities,' said Mr Wardana, who took over as ambassador to Singapore in November.

'For Indonesia, Singaporean tourism is No.1.'

His positive prognosis comes after comments from some Jakarta politicians who claim Singapore is dragging its feet over negotiating an extradition treaty with Indonesia.

Also, earlier this month, Indonesia abruptly halted all exports of sand - a vital raw material for construction projects.

Although several countries were hit by the ban, some Indonesian lawmakers later claimed it was imposed to pressure Singapore to sign the extradition treaty and to resolve border disputes between the two countries.

Asked about the sand issue, Mr Wardana did not offer any solutions, but noted that negotiators had met nine times to discuss the extradition treaty.

He added that he hoped the issues would be resolved soon.

As for the Defence Cooperation Agreement, which would facilitate continued access to Indonesian training grounds by the Singapore Armed Forces, Mr Wardana said six rounds of talks had already been held.

He said: 'Our countries have a very warm and close relationship. But of course, we need to strengthen it more.'

The ambassador spoke to the media after witnessing chairmen of different mosques jointly presenting a $72,000 cheque to humanitarian aid organisation Mercy Relief.

Mercy spokesman Patrick Chan, who received the cheque on behalf of the organisation, said the money would be used to buy items such as milk and vitamins for flood victims in Jakarta.

The money was raised earlier this month during a donation drive spearheaded by Islamic religious council Muis at 69 mosques in Singapore.