Singapore-Jakarta treaty 'sends key signal amid rising global tension'
Yudhoyono: Boundary pact shows mutually acceptable solution possible
By Zakir Hussain, Indonesia Bureau Chief, The Straits Times, 4 Sep 2014
Yudhoyono: Boundary pact shows mutually acceptable solution possible
By Zakir Hussain, Indonesia Bureau Chief, The Straits Times, 4 Sep 2014
"In a world marked by tension and disputes, with this treaty, we are demonstrating that with strong political commitment, it is possible to achieve mutually acceptable solutions," he said yesterday in a speech at a state banquet at the Istana to honour his visit.
"Through this agreement, we celebrate a new milestone in our bilateral relations."
Earlier in the afternoon, Dr Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong witnessed the signing of the treaty demarcating boundaries in the eastern stretch of the Singapore Strait, between their respective foreign ministers, Dr Marty Natalegawa and Mr K. Shanmugam.
The agreement is the second maritime boundary pact between both countries under the Yudhoyono administration.
"It is a demonstration of how Indonesia and Singapore have been able to work together in areas of mutual interest, and further underscores the excellent working relationship and bilateral ties between both countries," Singapore's Foreign Ministry said.
In a separate statement, Indonesia's Foreign Ministry said the agreement is a reminder for other countries in the region that border disputes can be managed in a peaceful manner, in line with international law. "The settlement of maritime boundary negotiations between Indonesia and Singapore can be a reference for the settlement of border disputes between countries in the region in a way that is peaceful and in line with the principles of international maritime law," it said.
Indonesia's comments come amid concern among ASEAN countries over rising tensions in the South China Sea in recent months, and Indonesia and Singapore have been strong advocates of applying international law to resolve disputes in those waters.
Indonesia's comments come amid concern among ASEAN countries over rising tensions in the South China Sea in recent months, and Indonesia and Singapore have been strong advocates of applying international law to resolve disputes in those waters.
Indonesia also noted that the delimiting of maritime boundaries was done with reference to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and negotiated in line with the national interests of both countries.
Technical discussions began in Singapore in June 2011. Nine more rounds took place, with meetings alternating between the two countries. The 10th and final round of talks was held in Medan this Aug 18 and 19, and it was then that both sides finalised the deal.
The neighbours agreed on the maritime boundary along the central part of the Singapore Strait in 1973. They reached agreement on boundaries in the western section, between Sultan Shoal and Pulau Nipa, in 2009.
After yesterday's treaty, only one last stretch - between Pedra Branca and Bintan - remains to be demarcated. However, it will have to wait for talks between Singapore and Malaysia on delimiting maritime borders around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry said yesterday's signing would provide certainty over the border between both countries, strengthen bilateral ties and encourage further cooperation in various fields.
"The agreement will provide real benefits to Indonesia and Singapore in maintaining sovereignty and enforcing the law in the territorial waters of the two countries, and in strengthening cooperation in the field of navigational safety, maritime affairs and fisheries, as well as in preventing cross-border crime in the Strait of Singapore," the ministry said.
* Thumbs-up for landmark Indonesia-Singapore treaty
Observers say it is critical for upholding sovereignty and enforcing the law
By Francis Chan, Indonesia Bureau Chief, The Straits Times, 17 Dec 2016
Indonesian lawmakers have ratified a sea border treaty with Singapore, inked in 2014 to provide clarity on the two countries' sovereignty over the busy sea lanes of the Singapore Strait.
While their foreign ministries will still need to meet to exchange ratification instruments before the pact is in force, diplomats, politicians and maritime law experts have lauded the move.
Observers say Thursday's unanimous ratification by lawmakers was no small feat, given what had been an underachieving past couple of years for the Indonesian Parliament. It passed just three Bills last year and nine this year, both falling short of its annual target of 40.
The landmark treaty demarcates a sea border 9.45km, or 5.1 nautical miles long in waters between Changi and Batam island.
That lawmakers were able to ratify it at the very last parliamentary session of the year showed Indonesia's resolve in moving on the maritime boundary delimitation agreement, which is critical for upholding sovereignty and enforcing the law, said observers.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Thursday night, said the treaty underscores the city-state's excellent working relationship and bilateral ties with Indonesia, and demonstrates the ability of both countries to work together in areas of mutual interest.
"Singapore is prepared to exchange the instruments of ratification once Indonesia is ready to do so," added the ministry.
The treaty was first signed in September 2014 amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, the focus of overlapping claims by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
Observers say it is critical for upholding sovereignty and enforcing the law
By Francis Chan, Indonesia Bureau Chief, The Straits Times, 17 Dec 2016
While their foreign ministries will still need to meet to exchange ratification instruments before the pact is in force, diplomats, politicians and maritime law experts have lauded the move.
Observers say Thursday's unanimous ratification by lawmakers was no small feat, given what had been an underachieving past couple of years for the Indonesian Parliament. It passed just three Bills last year and nine this year, both falling short of its annual target of 40.
The landmark treaty demarcates a sea border 9.45km, or 5.1 nautical miles long in waters between Changi and Batam island.
That lawmakers were able to ratify it at the very last parliamentary session of the year showed Indonesia's resolve in moving on the maritime boundary delimitation agreement, which is critical for upholding sovereignty and enforcing the law, said observers.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Thursday night, said the treaty underscores the city-state's excellent working relationship and bilateral ties with Indonesia, and demonstrates the ability of both countries to work together in areas of mutual interest.
"Singapore is prepared to exchange the instruments of ratification once Indonesia is ready to do so," added the ministry.
The treaty was first signed in September 2014 amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, the focus of overlapping claims by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
Indonesia and Singapore are not party to the dispute.
The "delimiting" of maritime boundaries is conducted in reference to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), said observers.
Mr Asril Tanjung, deputy chairman of the House Commission overseeing deliberations for the treaty, said ratification provides legal clarity on sovereignty as well as the jurisdiction issues for law enforcement.
Singapore's former ambassador to Indonesia Barry Desker agreed.
"The ratification of the sea border agreement by Indonesia is significant as clearly defined borders minimise the risk of conflict, enable both parties to exercise their sovereignty over their territorial waters and could act as a confidence-building measure," he told The Straits Times yesterday.
The treaty is the third of its kind between the two countries after they first agreed on the maritime boundary along the central part of the Singapore Strait in 1973.
The treaty is the third of its kind between the two countries after they first agreed on the maritime boundary along the central part of the Singapore Strait in 1973.
That was followed by another pact in 2009 on the western section, between Indonesia's Pulau Nipa and Singapore's Sultan Shoal.
The latest treaty covers the eastern section of Changi and Batam, and together, the three account for a 67.3km-long sea border in the Singapore Strait.
This means both countries have now completed their last agreement on the territorial sea boundaries between them.
What remains is an area between Pedra Branca and Bintan island, which involves Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, said Mr Leong Kah Wah, a partner at law firm Rajah & Tann, and vice-president of the Maritime Law Association of Singapore.
He said Thursday's ratification may create the momentum for trilateral negotiations to begin.
Mr Eddy Pratomo, President Joko Widodo's special envoy to negotiate Indonesia's maritime boundaries with Malaysia, told The Jakarta Post he will be meeting Malaysian officials in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Mr Eddy Pratomo, President Joko Widodo's special envoy to negotiate Indonesia's maritime boundaries with Malaysia, told The Jakarta Post he will be meeting Malaysian officials in Kuala Lumpur next month.
** Landmark sea treaty with Jakarta underscores trust: Vivian
Minister highlights swift progress of pact demarcating boundaries in Singapore Strait
By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 11 Feb 2017
The swiftness with which a landmark maritime treaty between Singapore and Indonesia was concluded underscores the deep strategic trust between the two countries, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said yesterday.
The treaty, which is now in force, demarcates maritime boundaries in the eastern part of the Strait of Singapore.
Yesterday, Dr Balakrishnan and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi exchanged ratification instruments for the pact in a ceremony at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
After the event, Dr Balakrishnan said at a joint press conference: "Without trust, you cannot make progress, especially on delicate and sensitive issues like sovereignty."
This is one of the fastest such treaties that Indonesia has concluded, Ms Retno said.
The treaty was inked in 2014, and covers a 9.5km stretch in the Singapore Strait between Changi and Batam.
It is the third of its kind between the two neighbours.
They first agreed on the maritime boundary along the central part of the Singapore Strait in 1973, and in 2009 signed another pact on the western section, between Indonesia's Pulau Nipa and Singapore's Sultan Shoal.
Minister highlights swift progress of pact demarcating boundaries in Singapore Strait
By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 11 Feb 2017
The swiftness with which a landmark maritime treaty between Singapore and Indonesia was concluded underscores the deep strategic trust between the two countries, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said yesterday.
The treaty, which is now in force, demarcates maritime boundaries in the eastern part of the Strait of Singapore.
Yesterday, Dr Balakrishnan and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi exchanged ratification instruments for the pact in a ceremony at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
After the event, Dr Balakrishnan said at a joint press conference: "Without trust, you cannot make progress, especially on delicate and sensitive issues like sovereignty."
This is one of the fastest such treaties that Indonesia has concluded, Ms Retno said.
The treaty was inked in 2014, and covers a 9.5km stretch in the Singapore Strait between Changi and Batam.
It is the third of its kind between the two neighbours.
They first agreed on the maritime boundary along the central part of the Singapore Strait in 1973, and in 2009 signed another pact on the western section, between Indonesia's Pulau Nipa and Singapore's Sultan Shoal.
With the latest treaty in place, the three account for a continuous 67.3km-long sea border in the Singapore Strait.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "This has been a major testament to our ability to amiably resolve complex bilateral issues, and to do so through negotiations, and in accordance with international law."
One outstanding stretch remains to be demarcated between Pedra Branca and Bintan.
But it will have to wait for talks between Singapore and Malaysia on maritime boundaries around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.
Ms Retno, who was in Singapore at Dr Balakrishnan's invitation, said the two of them discussed a wide range of issues earlier in the day, including ways to boost cooperation in areas such as the economy and countering terrorism.
They also followed up on developments from Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's Leaders' Retreat in Semarang last year, such as the setting up of the Indonesia-Singapore Business Council.
The Kendal Industrial Park, which was launched during the retreat, has drawn interest from 27 companies, whose potential investments will exceed US$330 million (S$467 million).
Ms Retno and Dr Balakrishnan also discussed Asean, which turns 50 this year. Both countries have a shared aim of strengthening Asean unity and centrality.
Ms Retno said: "Asean has been central in contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond, and Indonesia is very committed to keeping it this way."
Yesterday, the two foreign ministers also announced the start of celebrations to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between their countries. The celebrations will be known under the name RISING50, with a logo designed jointly by both nations.
There will be a slew of events to celebrate the multi-faceted relationship, paying tribute to cultural and historical links as well as budding areas of economic cooperation such as the digital economy. The planned activities include cultural performances and film screenings.
The events will be announced in due course, said Dr Balakrishnan.
Later this year, Mr Lee will host Mr Joko at the Leaders' Retreat in Singapore.
There will be a slew of events to celebrate the multi-faceted relationship, paying tribute to cultural and historical links as well as budding areas of economic cooperation such as the digital economy. The planned activities include cultural performances and film screenings.
The events will be announced in due course, said Dr Balakrishnan.
Later this year, Mr Lee will host Mr Joko at the Leaders' Retreat in Singapore.
Related
Indonesia's President Yudhoyono awarded Order of Temasek by Singapore
MFA Spokesman's Comments in Response to Media Queries on on the Indonesian House of Representatives’ ratification of the Treaty between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Singapore Relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Eastern Part of the Strait of Singapore -15 Dec 2016
Edited transcript of the Joint Press Conference of the Signing Ceremony and the Exchange of Instruments for the Ratification of the Treaty between Indonesia and Singapore relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the two countries in the Eastern part of the Strait of Singapore 10 February 2017
Indonesia's President Yudhoyono awarded Order of Temasek by Singapore
MFA Spokesman's Comments in Response to Media Queries on on the Indonesian House of Representatives’ ratification of the Treaty between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Singapore Relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Eastern Part of the Strait of Singapore -15 Dec 2016
Edited transcript of the Joint Press Conference of the Signing Ceremony and the Exchange of Instruments for the Ratification of the Treaty between Indonesia and Singapore relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the two countries in the Eastern part of the Strait of Singapore 10 February 2017
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