Bahlil Accompanies Prabowo to ASEAN Summit in Philippines, Discusses Cross-Border Electricity Network

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia accompanied President Prabowo Subianto in attending the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, Philippines, on 7-8 May 2026.

President Prabowo, together with ASEAN heads of state, will discuss several strategic regional agendas. One of the main focuses is strengthening cooperation and energy resilience in Southeast Asia.

Bahlil also accompanied Prabowo in meetings related to strategic issues in the energy sector. One of them was the discussion on the interconnection of electricity across countries in the ASEAN region.

“Indonesia continues to promote strengthened ASEAN energy cooperation to ensure that regional energy resilience remains maintained, including through strengthening energy connectivity, supply diversification, and accelerating sustainable energy transitions,” he stated in an official release on Thursday (7/5/2026).

Indonesia also highlighted the importance of regional solidarity and coordination to face global challenges. These challenges are seen as potentially disrupting the stability of energy supplies and the regional economy.

This year’s ASEAN Summit carries the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”. The forum focuses on strengthening regional stability, economic integration, food and energy resilience, as well as sustainable development.

Indonesia’s participation in the high-level forum is part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in the strategic energy sector and sustainable development in ASEAN.

Also attending were Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Head of the State Intelligence Agency Muhammad Herindra.