Analyst views ASEAN energy research as essential to face supply threats

Jakarta (ANTARA) - International Relations expert Teuku Rezasyah believes that in-depth research on the energy position in each ASEAN country is important amid geopolitical uncertainties and global energy supply threats.

The lecturer in International Relations at President University told ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday that research is needed to examine the energy conditions of ASEAN countries, both before and after the US attack on Iran.

He assessed that ASEAN countries have varying energy needs and dependencies. Several countries still heavily rely on crude oil, while others are beginning to promote energy diversification.

Regarding the push by ASEAN countries to accelerate ratification of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA), Rezasyah predicts that implementing the scheme will not be easy.

According to him, Indonesia, as a populous country with development in many regions, requires far more oil energy than other smaller ASEAN countries.

“It is not impossible that a new stigma will emerge, where Indonesia as the largest consumer uses the ASEAN mechanism as a new bargaining power in relations with oil-exporting countries,” he said.

He also believes Indonesia needs to reconsider building nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes.

Furthermore, he stated that Indonesia’s high global credibility has the potential to open support from various advanced countries, including the United States, Russia, China, Australia, and Japan.

Previously, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn assured that the APSA ratification process will be completed before the 49th ASEAN Summit at the end of this year.

The agreement allows ASEAN countries to assist each other during fuel shortages while strengthening regional cooperation in the energy sector.

“Country officials have received instructions from their leaders that the APSA ratification process must be accelerated by all member states,” said Kao Kim Hourn in a press conference on the results of the 48th ASEAN Summit at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Monday.