Indonesia’s communications minister has warned that Singapore could also face significant internet disruptions if submarine cables passing through Indonesian waters were damaged or deliberately cut, highlighting how closely the two countries are linked through digital infrastructure.
Indonesian Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid reportedly made the remarks after a social media post by former Singapore Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng sparked discussion about the countries’ reliance on each other for international internet connectivity.
According to Malaysian news outlet Sinar Harian, Hafid said many submarine cable routes connecting Singapore to the wider world pass through Indonesian waters. She claimed that disruptions could put up to 80% of Singapore’s internet connectivity capacity at risk.
Former Singapore MP’s “Cut?” Remark Sparks Reaction
The exchange began after Cheng shared an infographic on X claiming that around 90% of Indonesia’s international internet traffic passes through Singapore.
The infographic described Singapore as a major gateway for Indonesia’s global digital connectivity, citing infrastructure such as data centres, cloud services and submarine cables.
Cheng accompanied the graphic with a brief question: “Cut?”
The remark attracted attention because it appeared to raise the possibility of Singapore restricting or disrupting digital connections used by Indonesia. However, Cheng subsequently clarified that Singapore would not take such action, describing Singaporeans as civilised and law-abiding.
His social media post was not an official announcement by the Singapore Government, and there has been no report of Singapore actually attempting to cut Indonesia’s internet connections.
Why Singapore and Indonesia Depend on Undersea Cables
Submarine fibre-optic cables form the backbone of international internet connectivity, carrying enormous volumes of data between countries and continents. They support everyday activities ranging from messaging and video streaming to online banking, cloud computing and international business operations.
Singapore is a major regional hub for data centres, telecommunications networks and digital services. Its connectivity is particularly important to businesses that depend on reliable international data transfers, including financial institutions, technology companies and multinational corporations.
However, these connections also depend on physical infrastructure located beyond Singapore’s territorial boundaries. Cable routes cross international waters and the territorial waters of different countries, making cooperation between neighbouring states important for maintaining reliable services.
Hafid’s warning highlighted the potential consequences of disrupting these shared connections. If key routes were damaged, internet traffic could face interruptions or require rerouting through alternative networks, potentially affecting service performance and reliability.
The extent of any disruption would depend on which cables were affected, the availability of alternative routes and the capacity of the remaining network infrastructure.
Indonesia Says Singapore Could Also Lose Out
Hafid also highlighted Indonesia’s importance as a major digital market, arguing that its large population and internet user base help attract international technology companies to the region.
Her remarks suggested that restricting connectivity would not necessarily hurt Indonesia alone. Singapore-based businesses and investors could also face consequences if digital links with the neighbouring country were disrupted.
The relationship between the two countries extends beyond internet infrastructure. Singapore and Indonesia maintain close economic ties, with cross-border trade, investment and business activities contributing to both economies.
Any prolonged disruption to digital connectivity could therefore have implications beyond ordinary internet access, potentially affecting companies that rely on cross-border services and communications.
Call to Protect Shared Digital Infrastructure
Hafid reportedly urged both countries to protect their digital infrastructure, stressing that submarine cables serve interests extending beyond individual nations.
The exchange comes amid wider attention surrounding Indonesia’s reported decision to reduce natural gas exports to Singapore to prioritise domestic demand. The development has drawn attention to the broader economic interdependence between the neighbouring countries.
Nevertheless, the figures cited during the online exchange should be treated cautiously. The claims that around 90% of Indonesia’s international internet traffic passes through Singapore and that up to 80% of Singapore’s internet connectivity capacity could be at risk have not been independently verified in the reporting provided.
The remarks also do not mean that submarine cables are about to be cut or that either government has announced plans to disrupt internet services.
Instead, the episode illustrates how digital infrastructure has become a strategic issue for countries that rely on one another for trade, investment and international communications.
For Singapore, maintaining diverse cable routes, reliable network infrastructure and strong regional cooperation remains important in reducing the risk that damage to individual connections could affect internet services across the country.