Indonesia's nationalist posturing deepens tensions with Singapore over haze and gas supplies
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Indonesia has lashed out at Singapore for criticism of its haze response and cut gas deliveries, even as both governments insist diplomatic relations remain intact.
Indonesia has intensified its nationalist rhetoric toward Singapore, warning pilgrims to avoid transiting through the city-state and reducing gas supplies amid the ongoing haze caused by forest fires. The Indonesian energy minister said the cuts were driven by domestic supply considerations and "coincided with a seemingly tense situation."
Singapore’s foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan visited Jakarta this week and met President Prabowo Subianto, stressing that the two countries continue to pursue close relations.
"Differences are to be expected, even polemic statements sometimes, from time to time," Balakrishnan told reporters.
Jakarta’s communications chief Syahganda Nainggolan told Reuters that the gas reductions were not intended to strain ties and that the visit showed the relationship was not under pressure.
"We continue to seek close relations with Singapore, and the visit by the foreign minister proves the two countries' relations are not strained," Nainggolan said.
Analysts say the sharpened nationalist tone follows criticism of Indonesia’s handling of welfare programmes, market regulation and the persistent haze that has affected the region. Yohanes Sulaiman of Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani said the intensity of the rhetoric has increased under the current administration.
Indonesia also faces domestic challenges, including a threatened downgrade by MSCI, protests over the government’s fire response, and a decline in President Prabowo’s approval rating to 44.5% this month. A former Indonesian ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo, described the recent statements as reactionary rather than official policy.
"Indonesia and Singapore's relationship is complementary, not competitive," Pratomo said.
Despite the disputes, Singapore remains Indonesia’s largest source of foreign direct investment, contributing $17.4 billion last year, and the two nations continue to rely on each other for fuel imports and internet connectivity.