PM Wong, Prabowo committed to ‘do what is necessary’ to tackle bilateral issues, including haze: Vivian Balakrishnan

Singapore and Indonesia also announced a new hotline to handle any differences in bilateral issues.

Tackling the haze issue is a “top national priority” for Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto, said Mr Arrmanatha on Tuesday.

“No border should shield those who profit from burning our forests,” he said.

When asked about the gas contracts issue and how Indonesia and Singapore reached a consensus during his visit, Dr Balakrishnan said Singaporean and Indonesian ministers share a common commitment to the “sanctity of contract”.

On Oct 24, Indonesia began reducing natural gas exports to Singapore to divert more supplies to domestic electricity needs.

These cuts are within contractual limits, said Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia on Oct 26.

Speaking at a convention by the People’s Action Party on Sunday, Mr Wong said Singapore expects all parties who have signed commercial contracts for gas supplies to “honour their commitments”, adding that Singapore’s gas importer will take the steps needed to protect its rights and interests.

Dr Balakrishnan said on Wednesday: “All sides understand that there is a reason why signatures and contractual obligations matter … it goes to the credibility and the competitiveness of the economies on both sides.”

“Look at actions, not just at words … Contracts mean something, and the sanctity of contract is upheld. That’s important.”