Cut Indonesia Internet Cable Remark By Ex-MP Sparks Dispute

The Jakarta Globe reports a diplomatic dispute between Indonesia and Singapore over submarine internet cables following a gas export reduction.

Background of the Dispute: Internet Cable

The Provocation: Former Singaporean nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng shared a social media post with an infographic claiming that about 90% of Indonesia’s international internet traffic routes through Singapore. He appended the word “Cut?” before clarifying that Singapore would not actually carry out such an action.

The Context: The remarks surfaced amid regional tensions, including a haze crisis and Indonesia’s decision to cut natural gas exports to Singapore to prioritize domestic industries.

Indonesia’s Response

Counter-Warning: Indonesian Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid responded that most submarine fiber-optic cables landing in Singapore actually pass directly through Indonesian waters.

Impact on Singapore: Minister Hafid warned that if those cables were severed, roughly 80% of Singapore’s internet connectivity capacity could be severely disrupted or paralyzed.

Market Leverage: She emphasized Indonesia’s massive digital market size—housing 267 million internet users (47 times Singapore’s population)—noting that major global tech investors could pull out of Singapore if connectivity or market access is destabilized.

Current Status

Both sides have urged calm and stressed that critical undersea digital infrastructure is a shared asset that must be protected cooperatively rather than weaponized in bilateral spats.

#businessnews