JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—Indonesian Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid has responded to a provocative social media post by former Singaporean Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng, stressing that the two countries depend on shared submarine cable infrastructure.

The exchange began after Cheng posted an infographic on X on Sunday, Oct. 25, claiming that 90 percent of Indonesia’s international internet traffic travels through Singapore. He added the one-word question: “Cut?”

Cheng subsequently said Singapore would not disconnect the routes. “We are educated, law-abiding people. We will not do this obviously,” he wrote.

Cheng served as an appointed member of Singapore’s Parliament during its 11th term. His social media comments were personal statements and did not represent an announced policy of the Singaporean government.

Meutya responded through Instagram by highlighting the mutual dependence created by the region’s submarine cable network.

“We do not need to be angry. The submarine cable communication systems that land in Singapore do not simply arrive there. Most of their routes pass through Indonesian waters,” Meutya said.

“If severed or cut, 80 percent of Singapore’s connectivity capacity would also be at risk of paralysis.”

The minister did not provide a public technical assessment supporting the 80 percent figure. However, the claim that Indonesia routes about 90 percent of its international internet traffic through Singapore had previously come from the ministry itself.

Digital Infrastructure Strategy and Policy Director Denny Setiawan disclosed the figure in June while explaining Indonesia’s plan to diversify its international connections, as reported by Channel NewsAsia.

According to the report, Indonesia has 30 international submarine cable systems, most of which connect to Singapore. This concentration makes Singapore an important gateway but also creates a potential single point of failure for Indonesia.

Meutya also highlighted Indonesia’s large digital market and said 267 million people used the internet. The latest survey by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association, however, estimated 235.26 million users in 2026, equivalent to 81.72 percent of the population, according to APJII data.

“We must not think narrowly. Digital infrastructure is a sector that must be protected together, not only for the interests of both countries but also for global connectivity,” Meutya said.

The online dispute followed Indonesia’s decision to reduce piped gas exports to Singapore by 31 BBTUD, or about 8 percent of the 409.55 BBTUD previously supplied from Natuna and Sumatra. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said maintenance and domestic electricity demand prompted the adjustment. He also insisted that the reduction remained within contractual limits.

The episode highlights the close energy and digital ties between the two neighboring countries. It is indicative of the close energy and digital ties between the neighboring countries. It also shows why both governments need strong alternative routes without using interlinked infrastructure as a political retaliation instrument.