For MINDEF and the SAF, the Konfrontasi was a violent and
targeted non-military installations
and defenseless civilians in Singapore from 1963
to 1965. In all at least, 58 people were killed
or injured by 37 bombs
set off. Great suffering was inflicted on the victims
and their families. The McDonald House bomb
blast killed three civilians and injured
at least 33 more. They still bear the
physical and psychological scars of the tragedy to this day.
Just take the families of those killed. Elizabeth Choo's six children became
orphans, Juliet Goh's parents lost their only child and Kesit
Yasin left behind a widow and eight children. The naming of an Indonesian
navy ship after Usman and Harun now,
nearly fifty years later would undo the conciliatory actions from both sides
that had lain rest
this dark historical episode. It would, as we have said,
"reopen old wounds". The Singapore government was therefore deeply concerned
when we received news of the naming and reacted immediately,
instinctively. Three ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Teo
telephoned our counterparts. My counterpart the Indonesian Defence Minister was in
Europe
on an official trip and it was 8 a.m. there
when I called him. I would not have disturbed his trip
unless it was an important matter and the Indonesian Defence Minister knew it.
I stated the government's position, followed up with a written note
so that there would be no misunderstanding about our deep concern.
All three ministers respectfully asked
our counterparts on behalf of the Singapore government that Indonesia reconsider
the name of the ship. We knew the harm it would cost to bilateral relations.
We want good bilateral defence ties with Indonesia
and have worked hard to develop our friendship and military cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo related to me how
he had taken part in the first-ever naval exercise with the Indonesians in 1974.
It was called Exercise Eagle, after
President Suharto visited Singapore. And since then,
military-to-military relations have improved considerably.
In fact two years ago the SAF celebrated
the 20th anniversary of the Indonesia Singapore
coordinated patrols, where we jointly protect the waters of both countries
from sea robbery. In times of need
you will remember that both militarys also quickly stepped up
to help each other. When Silk Air flight
MI185 crashed near Palembang and this was in December 1997,
Indonesia spared no effort in the search and rescue
operations. When the Indian Ocean tsunami struck
Ache in 2004, the SAF was the first on the ground
to assist Indonesia with its largest disaster asist and relief effort ever.
Such reciprocal support and close cooperation
based on mutual respect, strengthened defense ties when Indonesia and Singapore
treat each other as sovereign equals. With closer ties
the TNI and the SAF have been able to discuss sensitive matters,
sometimes behind closed doors to find amicable solutions
that meet each other's concerns, and where there are disagreements
we find ways to put them on hold until conditions improve to settle them.
But the naming of the ship came as an utter surprise,
MINDEF and the SAF were disappointed and dismayed
over this inexplicable move. Even without
ill intent, how can the naming of the ship
after two bombers build good ties or enhance mutual respect
and regard with both our countries?
On the contrary, a ship named Usman Harun
sailing on the high seas would unearth all the pain
and sorrow cost by the MacDonald House bomb blast,
which had been buried and put to rest.
It would be a bete noire, unleashing resentful feelings
and spirits from the past, a constant reminder of
the military aggression and atrocious crimes
committed by the Indonesian marines who killed
or irreparably damaged the lives of innocent civilians
and their families in Singapore. For Singaporeans,
this is the wake of the dark history of Konfrontasi,
of lives tragically cut short in vain,
the suffering and blighted futures of hapless victims
that the ship will always carry with her.
Singapore will not allow this military ship named
Usman Harun to call at our ports and naval bases.
It would not be possible for the SAF as protectors of this nation
to sail alongside or exercise with this ship.
As Deputy Prime Minister Teo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I have
said to our counterparts,
the naming of this ship will have consequences
on bilateral relations. Already,
suspicions and resentments have heightened on both sides,
setting back many decades of relationship building in defense ties.
We want good defense ties and close military-to-military relationships with Indonesia,
but strong defense ties can only be built
on mutual trust and respect, expressed through
appropriate acts that underscore friendship
and amity.