Prabowo: 70% of East Asia's Trade and Energy Needs Pass Through Indonesia

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia’s crucial role on the international stage. Indeed, Prabowo stated that Indonesia serves as the key to energy trade for countries in East Asia.

Prabowo made this statement during a briefing at the Government Working Meeting (Raker) in the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.

Initially, Prabowo explained the ongoing war in the Middle East, which demonstrates the importance of a single strait. The Strait of Hormuz, which is only 33 miles or about 60 kilometres wide, determines the fate of nations.

However, unwittingly, Indonesia also plays a vital role in trade. Approximately 70 percent of East Asia’s energy trade passes through the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, and Makassar Strait.

“Are we aware that 70 percent of East Asia’s energy needs, 70 percent of energy and 70 percent of trade pass through Indonesia’s seas? Are we aware that the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, Makassar Strait, and so on are Indonesia’s waters?” said Prabowo.

The Head of State stated that with this condition, Indonesia becomes the key for South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, and the Philippines. This is what makes Indonesia the centre of global attention.

“Are we aware of how important Indonesia is, are we aware of how crucial Indonesia is? 70 percent of the energy for South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, the Philippines. So, my brothers and sisters must understand that we are the focus of the world,” he said.

Therefore, Prabowo reminded the ministers to echelon I officials and CEOs of state-owned enterprises present at this working meeting to demonstrate their best work for the Indonesian nation.

“Because of the importance of our role, we must lead this nation well, accurately, and reliably,” he concluded.