Indonesia is launching a new drive toward energy independence through expanded domestic projects and increased coordination with Japan [1, 2].
The shift comes as the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran and the Hormuz crisis threaten oil and gas supplies to Asia. These geopolitical tensions have caused rising fuel prices, forcing Indonesia to diversify its energy mix to ensure national security [1, 2].
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan and Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto are key officials overseeing the partnership. The two nations are focusing on coordinating energy security to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions [1].
"In light of the current situation, Japan and Indonesia will step up coordination on energy security," Takaichi said [1].
To achieve self-sufficiency, Indonesia is expanding projects involving oil, gas, minerals, and renewable energy technologies [2]. However, this aggressive push has faced environmental criticism. Forest loss in Indonesia surged by 66% in 2025, marking the highest rate in eight years [3].
While the government seeks a broader energy playbook, some reports indicate the transition is uneven. The number of villages using solar energy declined by more than 25% between 2021 and 2024 [4]. This decline is attributed to high costs and the persistence of fossil-fuel subsidies in rural areas [4].
The coordination efforts between Tokyo and Jakarta involve ongoing discussions to stabilize energy flows and invest in infrastructure that reduces reliance on volatile foreign markets [1, 2].
“"In light of the current situation, Japan and Indonesia will step up coordination on energy security."”
Indonesia's pivot toward energy independence reflects a broader regional trend of reducing vulnerability to Middle Eastern instability. While the partnership with Japan provides technical and strategic support, the internal contradiction between self-sufficiency goals and environmental preservation suggests a tension between immediate national security needs and long-term climate commitments.
