Singapore Becomes Asia's Most Peaceful Country, Ranked Sixth In The World

JAKARTA - Singapore reiterated its position as the most peaceful country in Asia, as well as ranked sixth globally in the latest Global Peace Index compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). This achievement seems to be increasingly prominent in the midst of a world situation that is still filled with war, tightening borders, and trade disputes.

Apart from Singapore, only two other Asian countries were able to penetrate the top rankings, namely Japan in the 12th and Malaysia in the 13th positions. According to the IEP, Singapore got very high scores, especially in terms of public security and safety.

For the people of Singapore, strict legal factors, low level of crime, and a safe environment are believed to be the keys to the creation of public order.

"We have a very low level of crime because the law here is strict and people obey it. If you use drugs or commit certain crimes, there is a price to pay. So people are very careful when doing things," said Ricky Ignatius Morier, a 49-year-old senior engineer, quoted from The Straits Times page.

Morier added that the security situation in Singapore makes its citizens, as well as tourists, feel comfortable.

The road is bright, security cameras are everywhere. You can't run away if you rob or pickpocket. In a matter of minutes, you will be caught," Morier explained.

The same thing was conveyed by Associate Professor Ed Aral from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He said that his daughter could take public transportation until after midnight without worrying her.

"In Manila, it is impossible. My confidence in private security in Singapore is very high," said the Filipino academic.

Singapore also recorded high scores in terms of minimal internal conflicts, very different from war-torn countries such as Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Syria, which are at the bottom of ranking as the least peaceful country.

Meanwhile, Iceland is back at the top of the world, ahead in three main indicators, namely safety and security, ongoing conflict, and level of militarization. Everyday life in Iceland indeed reflects this sense of security.

You can walk alone at night without worrying. Even babies are often allowed to sleep on the stroller outside the cafe or shop, while their parents eat or shop. Local police don't carry firearms either." said resident named Inga Ros Antoniusdotttir in a BBC report.

Apart from Iceland, the top five most peaceful countries in the next world are occupied by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland.