Indonesia has indicated it will take up Singapore's offer of help with the haze: Vivian Balakrishnan

An Indonesian man using a hose to put out a fire in Banyuasin on Oct 7, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan has revealed that Indonesia has accepted Singapore's offer to help with the haze.

Mr Balakrishnan said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Oct 7) night: "MFA sent our latest formal request for the names of the companies suspected of being involved in the haze to the Indonesian Embassy yesterday so that appropriate action can be taken.

"We also reiterated our haze assistance package, which includes assets, personnel, high-resolution satellite pictures and hotspot coordinates.

"Had a good discussion this evening with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi who indicated that Indonesia will now take up our offer. Good for our countries to work together to resolve this as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, glad to see some blue skies today."

Mr Balakrishnan's post came after Singapore sent a formal request to Indonesia on the names of errant companies involved in the haze. The Republic also sought an early response from Jakarta on the issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 7)

The MFA also reiterated Singapore's offer of assistance to combat the fires, saying the offer of assistance includes one C-130 aircraft for cloud seeding operations and up to to two C-130 aircraft to ferry a fire-fighting assistance team from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

One Chinook helicopter with one heli-bucket under-slung, subject to their operational availability, would also be provided, the MFA said.

In addition, Singapore is also offering a team from SCDF to provide assessment and planning assistance, high resolution satellite pictures and hotspot coordinates.

"Singapore stands ready to assist Indonesia in its haze combating and fire-fighting efforts," the MFA added.

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