ECONOMIST Hendry Cahyono from Surabaya State University has praised\nthe energy diplomacy of Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM)\nBahlil Lahadalia regarding Indonesia-Japan cooperation in the energy and\ncritical minerals sectors. He views this as a strategic step in\npromoting green energy transition whilst strengthening national energy\nsecurity.<\/p>\n
The collaboration encompasses nuclear energy development, LNG\nexports, and Waste-to-Energy Power Plants (PLTSa). Hendry considers this\nagreement a positive signal that Indonesia is becoming increasingly\nserious about developing clean energy based on advanced technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom a technical and economic perspective, Indonesia has actually\nbeen planning to develop nuclear power plants since the 1960s. This MoU\ndemonstrates a step forward, although the path to realisation remains\nlong,\u201d Hendry stated when contacted by journalists on Tuesday (17 March\n2026).<\/p>\n
The cooperation is outlined in a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)\nsigned by ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia together with Japan\u2019s Minister\nof Economy, Trade, and Industry Ryosei Akazawa.<\/p>\n
According to him, cooperation with Japan provides significant\nopportunities for Indonesia to accelerate the mastery of new energy\ntechnologies, including nuclear power, which has previously been\nconstrained by investment costs and technology transfer. Hendry\nemphasised that the potential benefits of this cooperation are\nsubstantial when linked to Indonesia\u2019s abundant mineral resources,\nparticularly in supporting a clean energy ecosystem.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndonesia possesses approximately 43 per cent of the world\u2019s nickel\nreserves, as well as reserves of bauxite, tin, copper, and rare earth\nmetals. This represents a strong foundation for downstream processing\nand the development of green energy industries,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that this cooperation extends beyond energy supply and has\nthe potential to create layered economic impacts for Indonesia, ranging\nfrom improved production efficiency to job creation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is hoped there will be a multiplier effect on national production\nefficiency, increased revenue, and labour absorption,\u201d Hendry\nstated.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Hendry noted that amid an uncertain global geopolitical\nsituation, Indonesia\u2019s move to strengthen energy cooperation is viewed\nas a correct and visionary decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis step represents a rational response to geopolitical disruption.\nIndonesia\u2019s current position is actually at a very favourable window of\nopportunity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Hendry cautioned the importance of ensuring that\ncooperation implementation runs optimally, particularly in the\ntechnology transfer aspect so that Indonesia does not simply become a\nmarket. Although Indonesia is relatively behind developed nations in\nnuclear energy development, Hendry noted that this condition actually\npresents a distinct advantage.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndonesia can learn from the experience of other countries,\nincluding from the Fukushima case, so it can directly adopt safer\ntechnology without repeating past mistakes,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n
Previously, the signing of this energy MoU was carried out by Bahlil\nand Akazawa during a bilateral meeting held during the Indo Pacific\nEnergy Security Ministerial and Business Forum in Tokyo, Japan, on\nSunday (15 March 2026).<\/p>\n
Cooperation in the nuclear energy sector is focused on technology\ndevelopment whilst prioritising high safety standards. Through this\ncooperation, Indonesia has the opportunity to leverage Japan\u2019s\nexperience and technology to develop low-carbon energy.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/economists-optimistic-indonesia-japan-energy-cooperation-will-have-positive-impact-1773751938", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }