Singapore and Indonesia strengthen leadership ties on haze and gas supply concerns
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Singapore’s foreign minister said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Prabowo Subianto have agreed to take necessary steps to address bilateral issues, including haze and natural gas supplies, underscoring the need for firm diplomacy and respect for contracts.
Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have communicated at the highest level and committed to taking whatever actions are needed to resolve bilateral challenges, such as the trans-boundary haze problem.
"Communication has occurred at the highest level between my prime minister and President Prabowo," Balakrishnan told local media. He added that the political commitment now requires implementation of agreed plans in a practical and disciplined manner.
Balakrishnan made the remarks after concluding a two-day visit to Jakarta, during which he met Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir. The two sides announced a joint task force to share information and evidence on companies violating environmental standards, and a new hotline to address bilateral disputes.
Arrmanatha said tackling the haze is a top national priority for President Prabowo and warned that “no border should shield those who profit from burning our forests.”
The visit also covered gas contract issues after Indonesia reduced natural-gas exports to Singapore on Oct. 24 to meet domestic electricity demand. Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia said the cuts are within contractual limits.
Speaking at a People’s Action Party event, Prime Minister Wong emphasized that all parties to commercial gas contracts must honour their commitments, and that Singapore will protect its rights and interests as a gas importer. Balakrishnan echoed this, noting that “the sanctity of contract is upheld” and that respecting signatures is essential for the credibility and competitiveness of both economies.
He stressed the importance of direct, face-to-face diplomatic engagement, saying that while media and phone contacts have a role, “high-level direct communication” is needed to convey concerns and find solutions, especially on issues like haze that affect people on both sides of the border.