Bahlil Defends Indonesia’s Gas Cut as Singapore Urges Contract Compliance

Jakarta: Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the country’s decision to reduce gas exports to Singapore does not violate existing contracts, as the cut remains within the minimum contractual limits.

Bahlil, who also serves as coordinating minister for downstreaming and energy transition, said Indonesia had reduced supplies by about 8%, below the threshold that would constitute a contractual violation.

“Let me repeat that the volume we have cut remains within the minimum contractual limit. Our minimum contractual limit is around 91 to 92 percent, and we have only cut about 8 percent. Unless we cut it up to 10 percent, that would violate the contract,” Bahlil said, as quoted by Metro TV’s Zona Bisnis program on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

At a press conference at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry building, Bahlil said Indonesia exports a total of 409.5 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD) to Singapore through pipelines.

The reduction comprises 15 MMSCFD from the Natuna region and 16 MMSCFD from Sumatra. The combined cut of 31 MMSCFD represents about 8% of Indonesia’s total gas exports to Singapore, he said.

“Our total gas exports to Singapore come from two locations, the Natuna Sea and Sumatra. The total volume is 409.5 MMSCFD. The amount we cut yesterday was 31 MMSCFD, meaning the reduction was only around 8 percent,” Bahlil said.

He added that Singapore’s gas demand stands at around 1,000 MMSCFD. According to Bahlil, the 31 MMSCFD reduction represents approximately 2% of Singapore’s total gas consumption.

“I read in the news that 31 MMSCFD accounts for only 2 percent of our friendly country’s consumption. If we consider the total of 409 MMSCFD, we can calculate what percentage that would represent if the supply were to stop entirely. I read in the media that their demand is around 1,000 MMSCFD, or slightly more than 1,000, which means roughly 30 percent,” he said.

Bahlil also pushed back against criticism of Indonesia’s commitment to honoring contractual obligations, saying the country respects agreements and applicable rules.

Under President Prabowo Subianto’s direction, he said, Indonesia remains committed to respecting contracts.

“But under the direction of President Prabowo, our country is a country that respects contracts and rules. So don't lecture Indonesia about the commitment to upholding and respecting contracts. The 31 MMSCFD we cut is still within the minimum contract limit,” Bahlil said.

Bahlil’s remarks came in response to a speech by Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who said commercial gas supply contracts must be honored and fulfilled by both parties.

“Now, the gas supply is fulfilled through commercial contracts. We expect all parties to honor their commitments, and Singapore's gas importers will take the necessary steps to protect their rights and interests under those contracts,” Wong said. (Yaumil Tianri Rahmi)

Also read: Bahlil Assures Indonesia Has Not Violated Gas Export Contract with Singapore