Indonesia and Australia strengthen energy security amid crisis

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier has welcomed the strengthening of energy supply cooperation between Indonesia and Australia amid the impact of the Middle East crisis on global supply chains. According to Brazier, the relationship between the two countries demonstrates the importance of strategic partnership in maintaining energy security amidst global uncertainty. “When disruptions in the Middle East affect global supply chains, Indonesia and Australia support each other through increased Indonesian urea exports to Australia and additional Australian LPG supplies to Indonesia,” Brazier said in a press release from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Monday. The increase in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply from Australia to Indonesia has occurred in recent months to help cover shortages caused by disrupted energy distribution from the Middle East. This situation is linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has impacted global energy supply chains. The closure of this strategic shipping lane has also disrupted one of the world’s main sources of LPG supply, which has been meeting the needs of various countries. Throughout 2026, the number of Australian LPG cargoes sent to Indonesia has increased at least threefold compared to 2025. According to a statement from the Australian Embassy, the additional shipments are helping Indonesia meet its LPG needs during a very critical period. Meanwhile, Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela, Head of the Asia Pacific and Africa Policy Strategy Centre at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assessed that the cooperation reflects the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries. “This shows how both countries can work together to strengthen energy security, enhance supply chain resilience, and advance shared economic interests,” he said. The additional LPG supply comes from the Ichthys Project, operated by INPEX and located in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The energy project also reflects the close collaboration between Indonesia and Australia. Key infrastructure for the project was manufactured in Batam, demonstrating the strong link between Australia’s offshore resources sector and Indonesia’s manufacturing industry.