Politics · Indonesia · 5 hrs ago
Indonesian Politicians’ Criticism of Neighbours Seen as Domestic Posturing
Indonesian political figures have criticised Singapore and Malaysia amid regional haze and tensions over energy and markets.
Energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia said Indonesia could review gas export contracts with countries he considers uncooperative, without naming them.
Former trade minister Muhammad Lutfi alleged that Singapore state investors Temasek and GIC tried to pressure index provider MSCI to downgrade Indonesia’s stock market; both investors denied the allegation.
Analysts link the remarks to domestic frustration and economic pressure, saying nationalist rhetoric can help politicians appeal to local audiences.
They caution that the comments do not necessarily signal a change in Indonesia’s relations with its neighbours, which have avoided criticising President Prabowo Subianto.
Bahlil said he would review the gas contracts, but the comments provided no details about which contracts might be affected.
Analysts say sharp remarks by Indonesian political figures about neighbouring countries reflect domestic pressures and political posturing.
The comments have come amid regional transboundary haze and economic concerns in Indonesia.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia raised the possibility of not renewing gas export contracts with countries he said were uncooperative.
Former trade minister Muhammad Lutfi accused Singapore’s Temasek and GIC of trying to pressure MSCI over Indonesia’s stock market; both investors denied the allegation.
Analysts cautioned against interpreting the rhetoric as a shift in Indonesia’s approach to its neighbours.
- Who
- Indonesian political figures, including Coordinating Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and former trade minister Muhammad Lutfi, made the remarks. Analysts assessed their significance.
- What
- Indonesian figures made sharp comments about neighbouring countries over energy supplies and alleged market manipulation.
- When
- Bahlil made his remarks on Thursday, Oct 22. Lutfi posted videos on social media in recent days.
- Where
- The remarks concerned Indonesia’s neighbours, including Singapore and Malaysia.
- Why
- Analysts said the rhetoric reflected domestic political frustrations, economic pressures and posturing.
Muhammad Lutfi
Temasek and GIC
Allegation
Muhammad Lutfi
Lutfi alleged that Singapore’s Temasek and GIC tried to pressure MSCI into downgrading Indonesia’s stock market.
Temasek and GIC
Temasek and GIC denied the allegations.
Muhammad Lutfi served as trade minister under former president Joko Widodo until this year.
Lutfi was questioned by Indonesian prosecutors over a corruption scandal involving fraudulent crude palm oil export permits.
Bahlil Lahadalia raised the possibility of not renewing gas export contracts with neighbouring countries.
Lutfi posted social media videos criticizing Singapore and Malaysia and alleging that Temasek and GIC tried to pressure MSCI.
- Energy minister
- Bahlil Lahadalia
- Former trade minister
- Muhammad Lutfi served until 2022
- Investors named in Lutfi’s allegation
- Temasek and GIC
- Market index provider
- MSCI
- Bahlil’s remarks
- Thursday, Oct 22
1 source
What people are saying
Regarding our energy security, I will review contracts with other countries that are uncooperative and do not show mutual respect in their relations with us.
I will not hesitate to consider stopping exports to countries that do not respect Indonesia.
Ramping up rhetoric by casting its neighbours as partially responsible “serves as an easy way for politicians to evade their own accountability
long-standing tactic