Global turmoil momentum for Indonesia-Germany to strengthen alternative energy cooperation

German Ambassador to Indonesia Ralf Beste stated that global energy turmoil resulting from the Middle East conflict provides momentum for Indonesia and Germany to enhance cooperation on alternative energy and energy security. “The war in Iran and the scarcity of fossil fuels is a signal that this time the issue is not only about tackling climate change, but also about maintaining energy security, which is our common interest,” Ambassador Beste said during a press conference at the German Embassy in Jakarta on Friday. He conveyed that amid current global tensions, Indonesia and Germany share an interest in finding ways to reduce dependence on energy resources “from certain regions that we cannot influence or control.” The global turmoil also provides an incentive for countries to focus on developing renewable energy to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels from overseas, the German envoy added. Acknowledging that the energy transition is a process that can take a long time, Beste expressed Germany’s readiness to share experiences, provide technical expertise, and discuss the best energy transition pathways together with Indonesia. However, he recognised that the energy mixes of Indonesia and Germany are quite different, so energy transition cooperation must be carried out with Indonesia’s interests in mind. Ambassador Beste further highlighted Germany’s contribution to Indonesia’s energy transition through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P) Indonesia mechanism, which has been consistent since its launch in 2022. Out of a total investment target of 20 billion US dollars for the renewable energy sector in Indonesia, Germany has contributed up to 1.5 billion US dollars to date. He also said that the impact of energy turmoil caused by the Middle East conflict demonstrates that ending the war in the region is in the common interest of both countries. “Indonesia and Germany have a shared interest in seeing the war in the Persian Gulf brought to an end as soon as possible,” Ambassador Beste said.