Wantimpres Member Ignasius Jonan to Singapore-Malaysia: Why Criticize Karhutla Now?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) Ignasius Jonan expressed his astonishment at Singapore and Malaysia for only recently criticizing the forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia.

Jonan questioned why these criticisms were not voiced earlier, considering that the fires have been ongoing for months.

"Why is this criticism coming now? Why not before? Criticizing, especially openly on social media and even making threats publicly, in my view, will not yield a positive outcome, either in the short or long term," Jonan stated in a video posted on his Instagram account, quoted on Thursday (22/10/2026).

"We are discussing forest and land fires, known as karhutla. Singapore and Malaysia have voiced criticism through their prominent figures. Meanwhile, we already have the framework of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, which was ratified or signed in Malaysia," he continued.

Jonan noted that all ASEAN countries agreed to this framework.

He expressed suspicion that Singapore and Malaysia may have a different playbook.

Moreover, Jonan criticized Singapore and Malaysia for only engaging in political discourse to cater to their constituents.

"I think this will not lead to a good solution," Jonan remarked.

He emphasized that if the issues of karhutla are to be addressed effectively, Singapore and Malaysia must cooperate.

He pointed out that every country needs to have adequate equipment, technology, and personnel.

"If we can handle human trafficking, tackle terrorism together, and jointly combat drug trafficking, why can’t we do this? Why suddenly open criticism?" he questioned.

Additionally, if Singapore and Malaysia believe there is intentionality behind the karhutla, Jonan invited them to work together on this issue.

He stated that Singapore and Malaysia should sit down with Indonesia to impose fair sanctions on companies responsible for karhutla.

Furthermore, he noted that there are companies originating from Singapore and Malaysia also involved in causing these fires.

"Because there are many companies that are also listed, possibly listed in Singapore or Malaysia, or partially owned by firms established in Singapore or Malaysia. Ecological disasters cannot all be avoided. But what’s important is that we work together, no need for criticism or mutual insults," he added.

Malaysia Calls on ASEAN to Protest Indonesia

Malaysian Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, on Tuesday (13/10/2026), urged Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN) to issue a diplomatic protest to Indonesia, claiming it has not made sufficient efforts to control the forest and land fires (karhutla).

Aside from diplomatic protest, he also urged ASEAN nations to apply financial pressure on Indonesia regarding the worsening haze in the region due to the karhutla.

"We must send a strong diplomatic note indicating that Malaysia objects, and it is not just Malaysia that objects. This must be agreed upon by other ASEAN countries affected, like Singapore. We need to send a very clear diplomatic protest," said Syed Saddiq in parliament, as quoted by Reuters.