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Singapore, Indonesia sign defence pact

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: Indonesia and Singapore, both founding members of the nearly four-decade-old Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), signed a defence cooperation agreement and an extradition treaty at ceremonies in Bali on Friday.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong were present at the ceremony. The pacts tone up the bilateral engagement in the context of differences over the export of sand and building materials to Singapore from Indonesia.

The Defence Cooperation Agreement emphasises "the strategic value of the special relationship between the Indonesian National Defence Force (TNI) and the Singapore Armed Forces." The two militaries have already been engaging each other in professional activities, and the pact is designed to "enhance the interoperability" of the TNI and the SAF.

The two have agreed to develop facilities in Indonesia for "joint training" purposes. The 25-year accord can be reviewed every six years after the thirteenth year from the date of implementation.

The treaty is designed to address access to fugitives involved in hijackings, terrorism and its financing, money laundering and corruption. Safeguards have been provided to ensure bona fide extradition requests.

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