Tempo 15 Dec 16;
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that Singapore's reclamation project would not affect the sea border agreement between Indonesia and Singapore, which is based on the United Nations' 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.
"We confirm that Singapore's reclamation project will not affect the delimitation in the Singapore Strait," Budi said during a plenary meeting with the House of Representatives at the Senayan Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, December 15, 2016.
Earlier, the House of Representatives passed a draft bill on sea border agreement between the two countries. As many as 10 factions expressed their agreement to pass the law.
Budi explained that the Indonesian sea border is started from the Indonesian sea border line, while that of Singapore is started from the original Singapore coast.
"For Singapore, the sea border starts from the original coast line, which is not affected by Singapore reclamation projects," Budi added.
Budi revealed that the agreement offers legal protection for economic activities in the region, "including for shipping and port management based on the national legislation," Budi pointed out.
Asril Hamzah Tanjung, deputy chairman of House's Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs, added that the agreement was aimed at protecting Indonesia's interest in the Singapore Strait. Asril added that the agreement would provide a basis for law enforcers to investigate cross-border crimes.
ARKHELAUS W.
Indonesia ratifies sea border agreement with Singapore
Saifulbahri Ismail Channel NewsAsia 15 Dec 16;
JAKARTA: The Indonesian parliament on Thursday (Dec 15) ratified a sea border treaty with Singapore demarcating maritime boundaries in the eastern stretch of the Singapore Strait.
Deputy speaker for the House of Representatives Fahri Hamzah, who led the plenary session, officiated the decision which had the approval of majority of the lawmakers.
"We endorse the government of Indonesia to further establish cooperation to secure our economic as well as maritime benefits," said Hanafi Rais, deputy chairman from the National Mandate Party.
Mr Rais, who is also the deputy chairman of Commission I, which oversees defence and foreign affairs, added that the next step is for both countries to exchange the ratified documents.
Singapore and Indonesia signed the sea border treaty in 2014 when former Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Singapore.
The agreement defines the boundary spanning a 9.45-kilometre stretch between Changi and Batam. It is the third maritime border treaty between the two countries along the Singapore Strait.
Singapore welcomed the news of the ratification, a spokesman from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a media statement on Thursday night.
The MFA spokesman added: "The Treaty underscores our excellent working relationship and bilateral ties, 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.”
In 1973, both countries agreed on the maritime boundary along the central part of the waterways. In 2009, an agreement on boundaries in the western section was reached.
- CNA/ec/am
