Jakarta (ANTARA) –
The Singapore Embassy in Jakarta has rejected social media claims that former Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal and political science professor Saiful Mujani visited the Singaporean ambassador’s residence on October 18, 2026, describing the allegations as disinformation amid heightened online tensions over Indonesia-Singapore relations.
“The Embassy is aware of social media posts containing false statements claiming that Professor Saiful Mujani and Dr. Dino Patti Djalal had visited the residence of the Ambassador of Singapore to Indonesia on October 18, 2026,” the embassy said in a statement on Sunday.
“No such visit took place,” it said, adding that the claims were “clearly disinformation.” The embassy said it would work with Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to address the issue.
The claims circulated on social media alongside a video purportedly showing the entrance to the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta. The footage was accompanied by the caption “Londo Ireng is coming,” a phrase used in Indonesia to refer to Indonesians perceived as collaborating with foreign powers.
Dino also denied the allegations, saying he was in Perth, Australia, on October 18 to attend an event organized by the non-governmental organization Global Citizen. During his visit, he also met Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, he said.
Dino acknowledged that he maintained friendly relations with Singapore’s ambassador but said he had not visited the diplomat’s residence in Jakarta for years.
“The news is 100 percent fiction. Totally fabricated,” he said.
He also defended his decades-long career in Indonesia’s diplomatic service, during which he received government recognition for his contributions. He highlighted the legacy of his late father, Hasjim Djalal, a prominent Indonesian diplomat who helped advance Indonesia’s maritime interests and its identity as an archipelagic state.
Dino said he suspected the allegations were part of a broader disinformation campaign by unidentified parties intended to intimidate people exercising their freedom of expression and obscure facts that the public should know.
He said he would also raise the matter with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, expressing hope that the government would take action against disinformation targeting public figures.
Related news: Ministry prepares strategy to combat algorithmic disinformation
Related news: Fighting disinformation to foster peace: The role of news agencies
Translator: Katriana, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2026