Gas Export Cuts to Singapore Will Not Trigger Conflict, Luhut Says

Jakarta – National Economic Council chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan believes that reducing gas exports to Singapore will not trigger conflict between the two countries. He said the decision had been considered by Bahlil Lahadalia, Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition.

“No, it won’t cause conflict. I think Mr Bahlil and I spoke earlier, and he explained his concerns. Why would we fight with Singapore? There’s no need to,” Luhut said in Jakarta on Tuesday (27 October 2026).

Nevertheless, Luhut stressed that Indonesia must have a clear position as a sovereign state. National interests should be prioritised, he said, and the issue should also prompt Indonesia to reflect and improve matters at home.

“But as a country, we must also have a clear position. And, of course, we should look inward and reflect on many things, including how to make our country better,” he said.

Luhut also hoped Indonesia would continue to be taken into account in regional decision-making in South-east Asia. As an ASEAN member, he said, Indonesia should have a strong position and be heard by other countries.

“I think the President [Prabowo Subianto] has given clear direction. As a head of state who is quite senior in ASEAN, I think his views should also be heard by our fellow ASEAN countries,” he added.

Luhut left any review of the policy to reduce gas exports to Singapore to Bahlil, who also serves as Energy and Mineral Resources Minister.

Previously, Bahlil spoke about Indonesia’s policy of cutting gas exports to Singapore. He said pipeline gas exports from Indonesia’s Natuna Sea and Sumatra to Singapore total 409.55 million British thermal units per day (MMBTUD).

The reduction is 31 MMBTUD, or about 8 per cent of the total exports. According to Bahlil, the cut remains within the minimum supply limits stipulated in the contract.