Indonesia Offers Critical Minerals to Japan as Nuclear Energy Cooperation Discussed
Indonesia and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector encompassing critical minerals and nuclear energy. This collaboration is expected to reinforce energy security whilst supporting the transition towards clean energy.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Ryosei Akazawa, held on the sidelines of the Indo Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
During the meeting, both nations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on critical minerals and nuclear energy sectors. The cooperation is expected to establish a more integrated and sustainable energy system across the Asia-Pacific region.
“We are very open and pleased to ask the Japanese government and Japanese business partners to jointly manage our critical minerals here in Indonesia,” said Bahlil in an official statement on Monday, 16 March 2026.
The collaboration is also expected to support the development of clean energy technology through the utilisation of Indonesia’s strategic mineral resources.
According to Bahlil, Indonesia possesses significant potential in developing strategic minerals required for clean energy technology. He noted that Indonesia holds approximately 43 percent of global nickel reserves. Additionally, Indonesia is a major producer of bauxite, tin and copper, as well as having potential for rare earth metals.
“If we are able to implement this, I believe it is a positive development,” Bahlil stated.
According to him, the current geopolitical situation and global uncertainty require each nation to strengthen collaboration, including through securing strategic energy reserves.
“Amid the current global crisis situation, it is important for us to strengthen cooperation to maintain energy security. Japan itself has prepared strategic energy reserves as a precautionary measure,” said Akazawa.