Singapore condemns Indonesian official's claim that its forests supply Singapore's oxygen

Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs K Shanmugam expressed disappointment over remarks by Indonesian Government Communications Agency head Syahbanda Nainggolan, who suggested Singapore’s oxygen originates from Indonesia’s forests. Shanmugam rejected the narrative, attributing the transboundary haze to illegal corporate fires in Indonesia that also affect Indonesians themselves. He warned that Singapore will pursue every legal and regulatory tool against pulpwood companies identified by the National Environment Agency, which has issued notices to ten firms.

While condemning the comment, Shanmugam welcomed President Prabowo’s decision to replace the disaster mitigation chief and his crackdown on peatland slash-and-burn. He also noted Indonesia’s acceptance of foreign assistance to fight the fires and said the issue should not strain bilateral ties.