After meeting Prabowo, Singapore FM eases Indonesia-Singapore tensions
Haze and gas cuts surfaced as Indonesia reiterated that domestic energy needs would come first, even as ties with Singapore remain under strain.
Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met President Prabowo Subianto in Hambalang on Oct. 28, amid scrutiny of bilateral ties over haze and reduced gas supplies from Indonesia. After the meeting, Vivian described Indonesia and Singapore as permanent neighbors that depend on each other, saying shared problems should be handled through direct, open and constructive dialogue. At the same time, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stressed that Indonesia would prioritize domestic energy needs before exports. The government has cut part of its piped gas supply to Singapore by 31 MMSCFD from about 409.5 MMSCFD, though it remains within the contract's minimum limit. Bahlil also said Indonesia has sent 148 LNG cargoes to Singapore.