Sharp remarks by Indonesian politicians about Singapore and Malaysia during the regional haze crisis are mainly aimed at voters at home, analysts have told CNA.
Energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on Thursday he would review gas export contracts with countries he called uncooperative and disrespectful, though he named none. Former trade minister Muhammad Lutfi has posted videos accusing Singapore state investors Temasek and GIC of pressuring index provider MSCI to downgrade Indonesia's stock market, which both deny.
Researchers at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies said the comments reflect economic hardship, resource nationalism and a long habit of invoking nationalism in difficult times. They noted that Singapore and Malaysia have avoided criticising President Prabowo Subianto, and cautioned against reading the rhetoric as a shift in Indonesian policy.
Source: CNA
