Politics · Indonesia · 3 hrs ago
Indonesia minister says undersea cable disruption could hit Singapore harder
Indonesia’s digital minister, Meutya Hafid, responded to a post by former Singapore lawmaker Calvin Cheng about cutting Indonesia’s internet links.
Cheng shared an infographic claiming that about 90% of Indonesia’s international internet traffic passes through Singapore, then asked “Cut?”
before saying Singapore would not disconnect the networks.
Meutya said many undersea cables serving Singapore cross Indonesian waters, and that disruption could put 80% of Singapore’s connectivity capacity at risk.
She also pointed to Indonesia’s large online market, saying it matters to global technology investors based in Singapore.
The exchange came amid a dispute over Indonesia reducing gas supplies to Singapore, a move Indonesia’s energy minister said remained within contract limits.
Indonesia said the reduction was 31 BBTUD, about 8% of total pipeline gas exports to Singapore.
Meutya said digital infrastructure should be protected for both countries and global connectivity, and no further action on the cable issue was stated.
Indonesia’s communications minister, Meutya Hafid, said disruption to undersea cables passing through Indonesian waters could threaten 80 percent of Singapore’s connectivity capacity.
She was responding to former Singaporean lawmaker Calvin Cheng, who raised the possibility of cutting Indonesia’s internet connectivity but later said Singapore would not do so.
Cheng’s infographic claimed about 90 percent of Indonesia’s international internet traffic passes through Singapore.
Hafid said Indonesia’s large internet market matters to global technology investors and called for digital infrastructure to be protected for global connectivity.
The remarks came amid scrutiny of Indonesia’s decision to reduce natural gas supplies to Singapore.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid responded to comments by former Singaporean lawmaker Calvin Cheng.
- What
- Hafid said disruption to undersea cables passing through Indonesian waters could threaten 80 percent of Singapore’s connectivity capacity.
- When
- Hafid’s response was reported on October 28, 2026. Cheng posted his infographic on October 25.
- Where
- The undersea cables land in Singapore, and many of their routes pass through Indonesian waters.
- Why
- Cheng had posted an infographic claiming Indonesia relies on Singapore for much of its international internet traffic, and asked “Cut?” He later said Singapore would not cut connectivity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Calvin Cheng posted an infographic claiming about 90 percent of Indonesia’s international internet traffic passes through Singapore and asked “Cut?
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said Indonesia’s 31 BBTUD reduction in gas exports to Singapore remained within the minimum contract limit.
Meutya Hafid posted her response, saying most undersea cable routes to Singapore pass through Indonesian waters.
Reports said Hafid warned that disruption to the cables could threaten 80 percent of Singapore’s connectivity capacity.
- Connectivity at risk in Singapore
- 80 percent of capacity, according to Meutya Hafid
- Indonesia traffic claim
- About 90 percent of international internet traffic passes through Singapore, according to Cheng’s infographic
- Indonesia internet users
- 267 million, according to Hafid
- Population comparison
- Indonesia’s population is 47 times Singapore’s, according to Hafid
- Gas export reduction
- 31 BBTUD, about 8 percent of the total 409.55 BBTUD cited by Bahlil
3 sources
What people are saying
We do not need to be angry. Submarine Cable Communication Systems that land in Singapore do not arrive there suddenly. Most of their routes pass through Indonesian waters.
We must not think small. Digital infrastructure is a sector that must be protected together, not only for the interests of the two countries but also for global connectivity.
We are civilized people who obey the law. Of course we will not do this.
Do not teach Indonesia about its commitment to uphold and respect contracts. The 31 BBTUD that we cut is still within the minimum contract limit.
Posts on X
Cut ?