Prabowo Reminds Government Elites: 70% of East Asia's Energy Passes Through Indonesian Waters
President Prabowo Subianto has issued a stark warning to government ranks regarding Indonesia’s immense strategic position on the global map. Amid the global energy supply crisis, Prabowo stressed that Indonesia’s seas are not merely geographical territories but the lifeblood of trade and energy for East Asia.
This message was delivered by Prabowo while chairing the Government Working Meeting with the Merah Putih Cabinet, ministry and agency echelon I officials, and BUMN directors at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4).
At the forum, Prabowo highlighted the fact that around 70% of East Asia’s energy needs and 70% of international trade flows pass through Indonesia’s waters. According to him, this fact should serve as an alarm for all state officials to work with far greater precision and responsibility.
“Brothers and sisters, are we aware that around 70% of East Asia’s energy needs and 70% of trade pass through Indonesia’s seas?” said Prabowo.
He then emphasised three of the most vital sea routes, namely the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, and Makassar Strait. These three, said Prabowo, are Indonesian territories that have a direct impact on the economic and energy stability of the region.
“Are we aware that the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, and Makassar Strait are Indonesia’s seas? This shows how important Indonesia’s position is. We are the key to countries like Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, to the Philippines,” he continued.
This statement also affirms that Indonesia can no longer see itself as a peripheral player. With a determining geographical position, Indonesia is said to always be on the world’s radar, especially countries that are highly dependent on the smooth flow of regional energy and logistics routes.
Therefore, Prabowo asked all government ranks to understand the weight of this role and not to work routinely without strategic awareness. He emphasised that the state must be managed properly, strongly, and reliably to address increasingly complex global challenges.
“The purpose and objective of today’s direction is for us to realise the importance of our role. We must control this nation well, properly, and reliably,” he asserted.
On the other hand, Prabowo also touched on the global situation shadowed by crises and energy supply disruptions. Nevertheless, he stated that government studies show Indonesia still has a sufficiently strong economic foundation to face these pressures.
“A few days ago, we held meetings to address the global conditions full of crises and energy supply problems. After we reviewed it, it turns out we have a strong economy,” he concluded.
With this statement, Prabowo seems to want to affirm one thing: when the world is fragile, Indonesia holds one of the most determining points in the global energy and trade chain.