At BIMP-EAGA Summit, Prabowo Discusses Energy Resilience
President Prabowo Subianto spotlighted the issue of energy resilience while attending the Special Summit of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) on Thursday, 7 May 2026. The agenda formed part of the 48th ASEAN Summit series in Cebu, Philippines.
In his speech, Prabowo stated that escalating global pressures and geopolitical instability due to conflicts in West Asia have made energy a challenge that must be addressed immediately.
“Energy resilience is one of the key issues we face today. With rising global pressures and instability in the Middle East, this is no longer a long-term problem but an urgent one,” Prabowo said in the Philippines, quoted from a written statement on Friday, 8 May 2026.
The Head of State noted that the BIMP-EAGA region holds significant potential for renewable energy development. He mentioned resources ranging from hydropower, solar power, wind power, to fertile land that have yet to be optimally utilised. Prabowo then questioned the readiness of member countries to harness that potential.
“The question is whether we are ready to act on that potential. Not only to meet our subregional needs but also to contribute to ASEAN’s energy transition?” said the Chairman of the Gerindra Party.
Furthermore, the President urged concrete steps to accelerate clean energy development in the region. Some measures he highlighted include hydropower development in Borneo, expansion of solar energy projects in Palawan, and utilisation of wind energy in coastal areas.
Prabowo also cited several initiatives underway in Indonesia to speed up solar energy development. “Full speed ahead, 100 GW of solar power, invite our friends, enhance our energy infrastructure, we have the potential,” he stated.
In addition to energy development, Prabowo emphasised the importance of strengthening subregional connectivity, including enhancing the capacity of the Trans Borneo Power Grid network. This is to ensure more efficient energy distribution in the region.
Prabowo assessed that all these agendas require financing support, technical expertise, and closer partnerships with regional development partners. “None of this will happen without the right support. We need to secure funding, mobilise technical expertise, and deepen partnerships with our regional advisors and development partners,” he said.
In closing his speech, President Prabowo affirmed that alongside energy resilience, food resilience is also an issue that BIMP-EAGA countries must address together to maintain the welfare of the region’s communities. “However, energy is only part of the story. Food resilience is equally fundamental,” Prabowo remarked.