PM Lawrence Wong and President Prabowo Have Spoken, Commit to Addressing Bilateral Challenges

JAKARTA — Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Wednesday (28 October 2026) that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had spoken and made a political commitment to do whatever is necessary to address bilateral challenges, including the haze issue.

A meeting between Balakrishnan and President Prabowo took place at the presidential residence in Hambalang, Bogor, according to a post on the presidentrepublikaindonesia Instagram account on Wednesday afternoon. The meeting had previously been expected to take place at an official venue such as the State Palace.

“Communication has taken place at the highest level between my prime minister and President Prabowo,” Balakrishnan said, as reported by Channel News Asia.

“So that establishes the political commitment on both sides to do what is necessary, and now we have to carry out the plan and implement that commitment,” he added.

Asked by Singaporean media about the outcome of his discussions with President Prabowo, Balakrishnan declined to provide further details.

On Tuesday, he met Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir. The two announced a joint task force to coordinate investigations into rogue companies through the cross-border exchange of information and evidence.

Singapore and Indonesia also announced a new hotline to address disagreements on bilateral issues.

Arrmanatha said on Tuesday that tackling the haze was a “top national priority” for President Prabowo.

“There must be no national borders protecting those who profit from burning our forests,” he said.

Responding to a CNA question on Wednesday, Balakrishnan said he was not in a position to provide details about the task force’s composition.

He added: “With commitments at senior level in both countries, we will resolve this quickly, promptly and effectively.”