Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 09:48 AM UTC

DEN Chairman Luhut dismisses diplomatic tension over Singapore gas cut

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Bayu Saputra, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - National Economic Council (DEN) Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has assured that the recent reduction in natural gas exports to Singapore will not cause diplomatic friction or conflict between the two neighboring nations.

Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, Luhut stated that the policy decision was carefully evaluated by Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia, while emphasizing that Indonesia must prioritize its domestic interests as a sovereign state.

"No, it will not (cause conflict). I spoke with Mr. Bahlil earlier, and he simply expressed his concerns. Besides, why would we even get into a conflict with Singapore? There is no reason to," Luhut said.

Luhut framed the policy adjustment as a natural exercise of national sovereignty that should be respected within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) framework.

He expressed confidence that President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership and extensive regional experience will ensure Indonesia's strategic positions continue to command respect among its neighbors.

"As a nation, we must have a clear position, and we should also engage in internal introspection - looking at how we can improve our country in many respects," Luhut said.

"I believe the President has provided clear directives. As a highly experienced head of state within ASEAN, his views should certainly be heard by our counterparts in other ASEAN nations,” he added.

The evaluation of the gas export adjustment remains under the purview of Minister Bahlil, who also serves as Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister.

The policy shift involves an 8 percent reduction, equivalent to 31 million metric British thermal units per day (MMBTUD), from Indonesia's total pipeline gas exports to Singapore sourced from the Natuna Sea and Sumatra, which stand at 409.55 MMBTUD.

Addressing concerns over legal compliance, Minister Bahlil defended the adjustment during a Monday (October 26/10) press conference, stressing that the reduction remains legally permissible under existing bilateral agreements.

He noted that the move is driven by critical maintenance activities and a surging domestic energy demand.

"Under the direction of President Prabowo, our nation is one that respects contracts and regulations. So, there is no need to lecture Indonesia on its commitment to uphold and honor contracts," Bahlil stated.

Bahlil explained that the current reduction operates comfortably within the agreed-upon minimum delivery threshold of 91 to 92 percent.

"We would only be in breach of contract if we were to cut it by 10 percent," he added, noting that Indonesia also continues to supply approximately 146 cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Singapore.

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