Academic: Bahlil's Energy Diplomacy in Japan Strengthens Indonesia's Position
Indonesia is no longer merely an object in global power relations but a subject actively defining its own interests.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Prof. Henry Indraguna, Professor at Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) Semarang, assesses that the energy diplomacy conducted by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia in Japan has strengthened Indonesia’s position in the global energy ecosystem.
He views Indonesia now not just as an object, but as an active actor determining its own interests.
“Indonesia is no longer an object in global power relations, but a subject actively defining its own interests,” said Henry in a written statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
Henry considers this step as an effort to deconstruct the old narrative that positions developing countries merely as suppliers of raw materials. According to him, this diplomacy encourages Indonesia to move up in the global value chain.
“This is a form of fluid yet solid sovereignty. It shows that our national laws can adapt to international standards without losing our constitutional identity,” he stated.
This statement was made by Henry in relation to Bahlil’s visit to Tokyo, Japan, in mid-March 2026. During the visit, Indonesia strengthened strategic cooperation in the energy and minerals sector with the Japanese government.
In a meeting with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) Ryosei Akazawa, Bahlil agreed on two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The agreements cover strengthening the supply chain for critical minerals and the development of low-carbon nuclear technology.
Additionally, Bahlil pushed for the acceleration of oil and gas investments by Inpex Corporation in the Abadi Field Gas Project in the Masela Block, valued at Rp339 trillion. The project is deemed strategic for strengthening national energy resilience.
The Indonesian government also offered joint management of several strategic commodities to Japan. These commodities include nickel, bauxite, copper, and rare earth metals, which are key in the global energy transition.
Cooperation between the two countries is also expanding to the coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors, as well as energy transition projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework. Several focused projects include the completion of the Legok Nangka Waste-to-Energy Power Plant (PLTSa) and the optimisation of the Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP).
From a modern economic perspective, Henry views this step as aligned with the concept of endogenous growth, which emphasises the importance of investment in technology and human resources.
“Mr Bahlil’s steps to secure nuclear technology and nickel downstreaming are efforts to avoid getting trapped in stagnant growth. This will grow from within through sustainable added value,” said Henry.
He added that the integration of Japanese investment into the national industrial structure has the potential to create a more resilient economic ecosystem against external pressures. Legal certainty in strategic projects like the Masela Block is also seen as a positive signal for global investors.
“The legal certainty offered in the Masela project gives a positive signal to the global market that Indonesia is a credible partner,” he said.
From a juridical perspective, Henry emphasises that the implementation of these MoUs needs to be monitored to ensure alignment with national interests. He believes international cooperation must still provide fair and sustainable benefits.
“The utilisation of natural resources is not just about chasing growth figures, but also about sustainable energy independence,” he stated.
He is convinced that strengthening Indonesia’s position in the Indo-Pacific region through this energy diplomacy forms an important foundation for positioning Indonesia as a new energy power centre in the future.