Indonesian actions tax Singaporeans' generosity

ST Forum, The Straits Times, March 22, 2007

IN THE article, 'Jakarta fears S'pore will use reclaimed shoreline to decide border' (ST, March 17), it was reported that the Indonesian government is spending 240 billion rupiah (S$40 million) to reclaim the almost-submerged island of Pulau Nipa to assert its sovereignty over the narrow waters.

The island is also said to be decimated, uninhabited and of no obvious economic value. (Not mentioned, though, is that the surrounding waters sit astride international sea lanes and are governed by international laws.)

On the other hand, thousands of Indonesians are still reeling from the devastating effects of the last tsunami, the 'mud' volcano and recent earthquakes and need financial aid.

Yet the Indonesian government would rather use its limited financial resources to save a sinking island.

Then there is the ban on the export of sand (and in the making, granite) on so-called environmental grounds which affects the livelihood of the people. Yet, year after year, the Indonesians let their forests be burned indiscriminately.

Singaporeans do not forget easily. When the next major natural disaster strikes the Indonesian archipelago, Singaporeans will be less willing to dip into their pockets. After all, we do have our own people to take care of.

Lau Chee Kian