Prabowo Urges ASEAN Countries to Accelerate Energy Network Amid Middle East Turmoil

Energy resilience is one of the key issues we face today. With rising global pressures and instability in the Middle East, this is no longer a long-term problem but an urgent one,” said Prabowo in his speech at the BIMP-EAGA Summit, which formed part of the 48th ASEAN Summit series in Cebu, Philippines, as quoted by the Presidential Press Bureau on Thursday (7/5/2026).

Prabowo stated that the BIMP-EAGA region holds great potential for renewable energy development, from hydropower and solar power to wind power, as well as fertile land that has not yet been optimally utilised. Prabowo questioned the readiness of member countries to harness this potential to meet regional needs while supporting ASEAN’s energy transition.

“The question is whether we are ready to act on this potential. Not only to meet our subregional needs but also to contribute to ASEAN’s energy transition,” said Prabowo.

Furthermore, Prabowo urged concrete steps to accelerate the development of clean energy in the region. Some highlighted measures include developing hydropower in Borneo, expanding solar energy projects in Palawan, and utilising wind energy in coastal areas.

Prabowo also cited several initiatives currently underway in Indonesia to speed up solar energy development.

“Our energy transition is proceeding at full speed. We are building 100 GW of solar power. Together, let us enhance our energy infrastructure. BIMP-EAGA has great potential,” said Prabowo.

In addition to energy development, Prabowo stressed the importance of strengthening subregional connectivity, including increasing the capacity of the Trans Borneo Power Grid to enable more efficient energy distribution in the region. Prabowo assessed that all these agendas require financing support, technical expertise, and closer partnerships with regional development partners.

“This will not happen without the right support. We need to secure funding, mobilise technical expertise, and deepen partnerships with our regional advisors and Development Partners,” said Prabowo.

In closing his speech, Prabowo affirmed that in addition to energy resilience, food resilience is also a fundamental issue that must be a joint concern for BIMP-EAGA countries in safeguarding the welfare of the region’s people.

“However, our efforts should not stop at energy resilience. Food resilience is equally fundamental,” he said.

From Cebu, Prabowo emphasised that ASEAN’s future is not only determined by economic growth but also by the region’s ability to maintain energy resilience, food security, and societal stability amid a constantly changing world.