A remark about cutting Indonesia’s internet connections has sparked a response from the country’s communications minister, who warned that Singapore could also suffer major disruptions.
According to Sinar Harian, Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said many submarine cable routes connecting to Singapore pass through Indonesian waters.
She claimed that any disruption to these cables could put 80% of Singapore’s internet connectivity capacity at risk.
What former S’porean MP posted
The exchange began after former Singapore Nominated MP Calvin Cheng shared an infographic on X claiming that around 90% of Indonesia’s international internet traffic passes through Singapore.
The graphic described Singapore as a key gateway for Indonesia’s global connectivity through data centres, cloud services and submarine cables.
Alongside it, Cheng posted a brief remark: “Cut?”
However, he subsequently clarified that Singapore would not cut the connections, describing its people as civilised and law-abiding.
Singapore could also be affected
Responding to the remarks, Meutya said the cables reaching Singapore do not simply appear there, as much of their route runs through Indonesian waters.
Her point was that disrupting the infrastructure could have consequences for both countries.
She also highlighted Indonesia’s large digital market, arguing that its internet users help attract global technology companies operating in Singapore. Losing access to that market, she suggested, could affect investors’ interest in the country.
Meutya urged both sides to safeguard digital infrastructure, stressing that its importance extends beyond Indonesia and Singapore to global connectivity.
Sinar Harian reported that the exchange came amid attention surrounding Indonesia’s decision to reduce natural gas exports to Singapore to prioritise domestic demand.
The reports describe an exchange of remarks, with no actual cable cutting reported. Cheng is a former parliamentarian, and his post should not be taken as an official Singapore government announcement.
The 80% and 90% figures remain claims made during the exchange and have not been independently verified, according to Berita Harian Singapore.
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