Bahlil Invites Indo-Pacific Energy Ministers to Collaborate Amid Global Supply Uncertainty
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has emphasised the importance of mutually beneficial collaboration among nations amid current global energy supply uncertainty.
He made the remarks whilst addressing Indo-Pacific Energy Ministers at the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business (IPEM) Forum, held in Tokyo, Japan.
“Amid current uncertainty in global energy supply, we need to strengthen collaboration that lifts each other up rather than tearing each other down,” Bahlil stated on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
He noted that amidst present geopolitical tensions, energy resilience has again become a focal point within the forum. The gathering of ministers and energy industry players from Indo-Pacific nations serves as a common discussion space for all participants, particularly regarding how countries in the region can strengthen cooperation to support energy security, which has become increasingly critical amid Middle Eastern conflicts.
“Indonesia has demonstrated this commitment by sending 150 liquefied natural gas cargoes in 2025 to support global energy supply. Additionally, Indonesia also supplies approximately half of the world’s traded coal,” he stated.
According to Bahlil, Indonesia’s large-scale energy exports contribute significantly to strengthening global energy supply. He also noted that when mutually beneficial collaboration is not achieved, each nation must prioritise the interests of its domestic population.
“As an oil-importing nation, if we cannot secure our oil needs, we have no choice but to utilise the energy resources available domestically, including increasing the proportion of crude palm oil converted into biodiesel,” said Bahlil.
Indonesia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of crude palm oil (CPO), exporting approximately 30 million tonnes annually. Bahlil further explained that amid current energy scarcity, each nation prioritises its own needs.
“Although the Paris Agreement urges a transition away from coal, in reality, many countries are currently increasing their coal imports from Indonesia,” Bahlil remarked.