SINGAPORE - President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to Indonesian president Joko Widodo, expressing their condolences over the terror attack in Jakarta on Thursday (Jan 14), and conveying their support for the Indonesian people and government.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has also written to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
In his letter to Mr Widodo, President Tan said that he was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the multiple explosions which resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives.
"On behalf of the people of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones," he said.
"Singapore condemns this heinous act of terrorism. We stand together with Indonesia, and our thoughts are with the people of Indonesia in this difficult time," he added.
PM Lee also expressed his condolences over Thursday's attacks in Jakarta in a letter to Mr Widodo.
"On behalf of the people and Government of Singapore, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families," he wrote.
PM Lee said he was confident that the Indonesian government will be able to deal with the situation decisively.
He posted the letter on his Facebook page and said, "Just wrote to Presiden Joko Widodo to convey my deepest condolences on the terror attacks in Central Jakarta".
"Singapore stands in solidarity with the people of Indonesia. I am confident the Indonesian Government will deal with the situation decisively," he said in the post.
In his letter to his Indonesian counterpart Ms Retno Marsudi, Dr Balakrishnan said, "I was shocked to learn of the shootings and bomb attacks in Jakarta. I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones."
"We strongly condemn these attacks and support the Indonesian Government's efforts to bring those responsible to justice," he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted the majority of registered Singaporeans in Jakarta and ascertained their safety, it said.
"MFA will continue to contact the remaining registered Singaporeans until all are accounted for. Our Embassy is also in contact with the local authorities who confirmed that there were no Singaporeans directly affected by the attacks. MFA will continue to monitor the situation closely," it said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 14).
MFA also reiterated its earlier advice to Singaporeans residing in and travelling to Jakarta to remain vigilant and to take the necessary precautions for their personal safety.
"Singaporeans in Jakarta are also advised to closely monitor the local news and heed the instructions of the local authorities," it said.
