New agreements bolster bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, extradition, and defense.
BINTAN: The recently signed Flight Information Region (FIR) Agreement between Singapore and Indonesia aims to enhance air traffic control safety while facilitating the long-term growth of Changi Airport as an international air hub, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated on Tuesday (Jan 25).
Speaking to reporters following the 5th Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat in Bintan, he explained that the FIR Agreement adjusts the FIR boundaries to align more closely with Indonesia’s territorial borders.
“Furthermore, this agreement ensures that Changi can operate efficiently and safely, providing essential air traffic control services necessary for its role as a key international airport,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Lee and Indonesian President Joko Widodo oversaw the signing of agreements pertaining to FIR, extradition, and defense cooperation.
According to a statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the FIR Agreement includes a realignment of the boundary between the Jakarta FIR and the Singapore FIR, with Indonesia delegating some air navigation services in portions of the Jakarta FIR airspace to Singapore. This agreement is set to last for 25 years and can be extended by mutual consent if both parties find it advantageous.
“The FIR Agreement adheres to the rules and regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and will be submitted for ICAO approval following an agreed procedure,” the statement added.
Indonesia has previously expressed interest in taking control of the FIR above the Riau Islands, which Singapore has managed since 1946 under ICAO guidelines. Singapore has maintained that FIR management is not a matter of sovereignty, but rather one of ensuring the safety and efficiency of commercial air traffic.
Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran also highlighted the mutual benefits of the FIR agreement in a Facebook post, stating it would cater to the current and future demands of both Changi Airport and Indonesian airports. “This will guarantee the safe and efficient growth of civil aviation in the region,” he noted. “I look forward to the ratification and implementation of the agreement, allowing Singapore and Indonesia to collaborate more closely to uphold the safety and efficiency of international civil aviation.”
Extradition and Defense Cooperation
The Extradition Treaty between Singapore and Indonesia will facilitate the extradition of individuals for a comprehensive list of offenses, in accordance with the laws of both nations and under the necessary safeguards outlined in the treaty, according to the MFA statement.
Meanwhile, the Defense Cooperation Agreement aims to strengthen the strategic relationship between both countries’ defense establishments, promoting enhanced cooperation and interaction between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
“As part of the Defense Cooperation Agreement, the SAF will continue conducting military training and exercises in Indonesia’s training areas, fully respecting the sovereignty of Indonesia over its territory, including its archipelagic and territorial waters, and airspace, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).” The Defense Cooperation Agreement and its implementing arrangements will also be effective for 25 years.
Singapore and Indonesia had previously signed an Extradition Treaty and Defense Cooperation Agreement as a package in April 2007, witnessed by Mr. Lee and former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. However, both agreements are yet to be ratified by Indonesia’s House of Representatives.
“Today, we have reaffirmed these commitments, with some minor adjustments to the extradition treaty,” Mr. Lee noted on Tuesday. During a joint press conference earlier, Mr. Widodo stated that the revised extradition treaty will extend its retroactive application from 15 to 18 years, in line with Article 78 of the Indonesian criminal code. The next steps for both countries involve implementing and ratifying the agreements.
Agreements Provide “Long-Term Resolution”
Mr. Lee emphasized that the agreements offer a “long-term resolution” to key issues significant to both nations. He warned that unresolved matters could create challenges in the bilateral relationship.
“However, if these issues are settled properly, with a clear understanding, we can foster extensive cooperation across various sectors,” he remarked. “This carefully negotiated and balanced set of agreements addresses the important interests and concerns of both parties.”
According to the MFA statement, both leaders acknowledged that the agreements represent an “important milestone” in bilateral relations.
“Once ratified and simultaneously brought into force, they will pave the way for stronger and deeper cooperation, particularly in civil aviation, defense, and criminal matters,” the statement indicated.
“Prime Minister Lee and President Joko Widodo agreed that resolving these long-standing issues positions both countries well for further engagement in mutual areas of priority.”
