Indonesia and Singapore are collaborating to establish a joint task force aimed at addressing the persistent haze caused by Indonesia’s forest fires, officials announced Tuesday. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers in Jakarta, as they sought to reinforce diplomatic ties amid escalating tensions linked to the annual transboundary pollution.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan visited Jakarta for talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Arrmanatha Nasir. The fires, currently the most severe in Indonesia in over a decade, have triggered widespread air pollution affecting the region, prompting calls for coordinated action.

During the two-hour meeting, the ministers outlined plans to create a task force that would facilitate information exchange, enable cross-border evidence gathering, and explore mechanisms for recovering assets from companies implicated in the fires. Indonesia has previously initiated criminal investigations targeting corporations suspected of involvement in the illegal burning activities.

“We must follow the money trail these companies have left behind,” Nasir said. He noted that Singapore has offered to share data on businesses connected to the fires, emphasizing that national borders should not protect those who profit from the destruction of forests.

The proposed task force reflects ongoing efforts by both countries to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of the annual haze, which has historically strained Indonesia’s relations with its neighbors. While the joint mechanism aims to enhance enforcement and accountability, officials have not detailed a timeline for its establishment.

The haze, primarily caused by slash-and-burn practices on tropical peatlands, poses significant challenges for air quality and public health across Southeast Asia. Indonesia has repeatedly faced international pressure to curb these fires, which contribute to carbon emissions and disrupt regional economies.

The talks illustrate a mutual recognition by Indonesia and Singapore of the need for stronger cooperation to address the complex issues surrounding forest fires and haze pollution, though the details of future operational roles and responsibilities remain under discussion.