Bahlil's Major Steps: From the Masela Block to Low-Carbon Nuclear

Bahlil’s major steps strengthen Indonesia’s energy position through cooperation with Japan, promoting downstream processing, Masela investment, and low-carbon nuclear development.

KENDAL, puskapik.com - The visit by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, to Tokyo, Japan, in mid-March 2026 reaffirmed Indonesia’s strategic position on the global energy map.

During the visit, Indonesia successfully strengthened international cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sector.

In the meeting with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Ryosei Akazawa, two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were agreed upon, covering the strengthening of critical mineral supply chains and the development of low-carbon nuclear technology.

Additionally, Bahlil encouraged the acceleration of investment by Japanese company Inpex Corporation in the Abadi Field Masela Block Gas Project, valued at Rp339 trillion.

This strategic project is expected to increase national gas production while attracting global investment.

The diplomacy also included strengthening cooperation in the coal sector, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and energy transition projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community framework. Some projects promoted include the completion of the Legok Nangka PLTSa and the optimisation of the Sarulla PLTP.