Indonesia and Japan Advance $20 Billion Energy and Masela Deal
Indonesia, Japan Advance $20B Energy and Masela Deal
18 Mar 2026 20:59 WIB
Voice of Indonesia
RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo: Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to implementing strategic agreements with Japan in key energy sectors. The commitment followed the signing of cooperation deals on Sunday, March 15, 2026, during the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum in Tokyo. The agreements cover critical minerals, nuclear energy, and the Abadi Masela gas project.
The Indonesian government and Japan signed two Memorandums of Cooperation in strategic sectors. These include critical minerals and nuclear energy development cooperation. The agreements aim to build a resilient and sustainable energy system.
For critical minerals, both countries seek to secure global supply chains. The cooperation also supports clean energy technology using Indonesia’s strategic resources. This highlights Indonesia’s role in the global energy transition.
Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir delivered the statement on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. She emphasized the partnership’s broader impact and long-term value. She also highlighted KBRI Tokyo’s role in ensuring implementation.
“ This cooperation is not merely an investment figure, but a manifestation of a comprehensive Indonesia-Japan strategic partnership in addressing global energy transition challenges. We at KBRI Tokyo are ready to ensure that every point of this agreement is translated into concrete actions that provide added value to the national economy and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries,” she said.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia, Bahlil Lahadalia, welcomed the agreement and invited Japanese participation. He expressed openness for joint management of Indonesia’s critical minerals. He also encouraged collaboration with Japanese businesses.
“ I very much welcome the memorandum we signed today, especially in the field of critical minerals, we are very open, we are very happy to invite the Japanese government and Japanese business partners to jointly manage our critical minerals in Indonesia,” he said.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Ryosei Akazawa, stressed global cooperation importance. He highlighted energy security and sustainable supply amid global challenges. Indonesia also discussed the Masela Block with CEO of Inpex Corporation Takayuki Ueda.
The Masela project holds USD 20 billion investment value. It is expected to boost eastern Indonesia’s economy and future gas supply. The government targets FEED completion by the third quarter of 2026 and production by 2029–2030.