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Indonesia-Singapore sea border agreement key to good relations: Experts
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For stronger ties -- Maritime expert Hasyim Djalal (pictured) supports the ratification of an Indonesia-Singapore agreement over the eastern part of the Singapore Strait, saying it will strengthen conducive relations between the two countries. (Tempo/File)
T
he ratification of a sea border agreement between Indonesia and Singapore will play a key role in the fostering of conducive relations between the two neighboring countries, experts have said.
"Good fences make good neighbors," said maritime expert and former Indonesian diplomat Hasyim Djalal, commenting on the agreement over the eastern part of the Singapore Strait.
He was speaking during a hearing on an Indonesia-Singapore maritime border bill at the House of Representatives’ Commission I, which oversees defense and foreign affairs, on Tuesday.
Hasyim supported the immediate ratification of the agreement, especially because its document had been finalized following extensive discussions by both governments since 2014. The agreement would clearly indicate areas belonging to each respective country, allowing full implementation of their sovereignty over their areas, he said.
Hasyim said the agreement was proof of the goodwill between the two nations to continue their two previous agreements over the same waters.
Former Navy official Abdul Rivai Ras, who is also a maritime defense expert, echoed Hasyim's statement, saying the ratification would serve as a basis for law enforcement that would benefit Indonesia's maritime defense and safety measures in the region.
University of Indonesia maritime law expert Chandra Motik said the border agreement was important because it would prevent violations from occurring in the area.
"With legal certainty regarding the borders, further steps to avoid violations on the bordering waters of the Singapore Strait would be easier to do," Chandra said. (ebf)
