JustUpdateOnline.com – SINGAPORE, K Shanmugam, Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Law, has voiced his disapproval regarding recent comments made by an Indonesian official concerning the region’s air quality issues. The critique comes at a time when Southeast Asia is once again grappling with the environmental and health impacts of transboundary haze.
During a visit to the Woodlands Checkpoint on Monday, October 19, Shanmugam addressed statements from Syahganda Nainggolan, the head of Indonesia’s Government Communications Agency (Bakom). Nainggolan had previously suggested that neighboring countries like Singapore should be grateful for the oxygen provided by Indonesian forests during periods when there is no haze. Shanmugam labeled these remarks as "inappropriate," particularly as citizens across the region suffer from the smoke generated by illegal land and forest fires.
The Singaporean minister emphasized that the recurring environmental crisis is not merely a natural phenomenon but is largely driven by corporations flouting regulations for financial gain. He countered Nainggolan’s claim that the fires are beyond human control, asserting that such disasters are entirely preventable. Shanmugam noted that the primary victims of this pollution are often the Indonesian people themselves, and he expressed his belief that the Bakom chief’s views do not represent the broader sentiment of the Indonesian government or its public.
Despite the friction over these specific comments, Shanmugam expressed strong support for the proactive stance taken by President Prabowo Subianto. He lauded the President’s personal commitment to resolving the haze issue through long-term prevention strategies and significant administrative actions.
Among the measures praised by the Singaporean government were President Prabowo’s decision to replace the leadership of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the implementation of a strict ban on clearing peatlands through burning. Shanmugam described these steps as unprecedented and reflective of a serious shift in how the current Indonesian administration views environmental accountability.
Furthermore, Singapore welcomed President Prabowo’s willingness to accept international assistance to extinguish the blazes. While technical discussions regarding aid from neighboring countries are ongoing, Shanmugam confirmed that Singapore remains ready to provide support and resources to help manage the crisis.
In a firm closing statement, Shanmugam reiterated that Singapore would utilize all available legal, regulatory, and economic avenues to hold accountable any corporations found responsible for the haze. He signaled that the city-state is prepared to strengthen its legislation to ensure that those who profit from environmental destruction face the necessary consequences.
