Indonesia-Singapore diplomatic and environmental tensions

Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Singapore have experienced strain due to disputes over natural resources, energy supplies, and environmental issues. Tensions arose after Indonesia reduced gas supplies to Singapore and raised concerns regarding the export of natural resources through Singapore, which officials claim deprives Indonesia of economic benefits.

Environmental friction has intensified due to forest and land fires causing transboundary haze. While Indonesian police reports indicate that most companies suspected of involvement in these fires are local firms, Singapore is planning to table changes to its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to allow for fines against entities causing pollution that affects the city-state. The haze, exacerbated by El Niño drought conditions, has also led to public health impacts and calls for sanctions in neighboring Malaysia.

These developments have also impacted regional energy stability. Indonesia’s reduction of gas exports and hesitation regarding electricity sales have raised concerns about the reliability of regional energy cooperation and the progress of the ASEAN Power Grid project. In an effort to find bilateral progress, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met with President Prabowo Subianto.