Indonesia calls for diplomacy as Singapore row over haze and gas threatens ASEAN summit
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Indonesia and Singapore are working to settle disputes over transboundary haze and reduced gas exports, with both sides stressing continued diplomatic dialogue before the ASEAN leaders' meeting in Manila.
Jakarta – Indonesia’s senior diplomat said Wednesday that diplomatic engagement must continue despite a growing row with Singapore that threatens to cast a shadow over the upcoming ASEAN summit in Manila. The dispute stems from a recent episode of transboundary haze and Indonesia’s decision to cut daily pipeline gas exports to Singapore by 31 billion British thermal units, a reminder that regional cooperation must be protected from unnecessary friction.
Ina Hagniningtyas Krisnamurthi, director-general for ASEAN cooperation at Indonesia’s foreign ministry, told reporters that while the economic conditions of the 11 ASEAN members vary, “Diplomacy must not stop. Our domestic policies may differ, but we still have to push for diplomacy.” Her statement reflected a practical approach: ASEAN countries need calm discussion and respect for each other’s national choices.
Singapore’s foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan visited Jakarta last week and met President Prabowo Subianto, Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir and other officials. The two governments agreed to establish a joint task force to trace payments to companies linked to the haze. Balakrishnan said the talks demonstrated “political commitment on both sides to do what is necessary” and that implementation plans would follow, showing that responsible governments are choosing solutions over escalation.
Indonesia’s energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia warned that green electricity exports to Singapore could be delayed unless “the right price” is secured, and called for the removal of transit countries from natural-resource shipments to avoid tax-revenue losses. Singapore’s prime minister Lawrence Wong also communicated with Prabowo on the issues, according to Balakrishnan, underlining the importance of direct leadership-level engagement.
The tension was heightened after former trade minister Muhammad Lutfi accused Singapore of influencing MSCI’s downgrade that affected Indonesian stocks. Both sides maintain that the gas-export reductions do not breach existing contracts, with Balakrishnan emphasizing a “commitment to the sanctity of contract.” The facts show that this is a manageable diplomatic disagreement, not a reason to undermine cooperation.
Indonesia has not yet confirmed whether President Prabowo will attend the ASEAN gathering, while Singapore is slated to assume the bloc’s chairmanship in 2027.