Jakarta steps up protection for Indonesian seafarers in Singapore

Indonesian writer Abdul Khalik has urged his country not to turn shared problems with Singapore into nationalist confrontations. This comes amid continuing haze pollution and Indonesia's decision to reduce natural gas exports to Singapore. Khalik argues that Jakarta should address its domestic issues instead of treating criticism from neighboring countries as an attack on national pride.

He recalls how former Indonesian President Soeharto apologized to Singapore in 1997 after Indonesian forest fires blanketed the city-state in smoke, but now tensions are resurfacing. Khalik criticizes President Prabowo Subianto's response to complaints, stating that criticism has been treated as an insult to Indonesia. He questions why national pride should take precedence over the ongoing burning of forests and the respiratory infections, hospital visits, and school closures suffered by Indonesians themselves due to polluted air.

The article also discusses Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, which permits action against companies responsible for causing transboundary haze, including those operating outside Singapore. While Indonesia asserts its right to secure energy for its population, Khalik questions whether the timing and increasingly confrontational rhetoric risk turning economic ties into political pressure.

Despite diplomatic efforts to improve relations, tensions remain as Indonesia has reduced natural gas exports to Singapore by 31 billion British thermal units per day, citing domestic energy needs. Khalik urges both countries to cooperate and find practical solutions without putting ordinary people at a disadvantage.