In a statement on Thursday, Prabowo said this situation has turned energy issues from a long-term challenge into an urgent necessity requiring immediate action.
"Energy security is one of the important issues we face today. With increasing global pressures and instability in the Middle East, this is no longer a long-term problem, but an urgent one," he conveyed during his speech at the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Special Summit, part of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines.
According to him, the BIMP-EAGA region holds significant potential for developing new and renewable energy, including hydropower, solar power, and wind power, along with underutilized fertile land.
In this regard, the head of state drew attention to the readiness of member countries to utilize this potential to meet regional needs and support 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," Prabowo emphasized.
Furthermore, he encouraged concrete steps to accelerate clean energy development in the region, such as hydropower development in Borneo, the expansion of solar energy projects in Palawan, and the utilization of wind energy in coastal areas.
On that occasion, Prabowo also outlined several measures taken by Indonesia to accelerate solar energy development.
"With full speed ahead, 100 GW of solar power, we invite our friends to improve our energy potential," he pointed out.
Regional Connectivity
In addition to energy development, the president emphasized the importance of strengthening subregional power connectivity, including increasing the capacity of the Trans Borneo Power Grid electricity network to ensure more efficient energy distribution in the region.
All of these agendas require financial support, technical expertise, and closer partnerships with regional development partners.
"None of this will happen without the right support. We need to secure funding, mobilize technical expertise, and deepen partnerships with our regional advisors and development partners," Prabowo remarked.
Concluding his speech, he reminded that in addition to energy security, food security is also a fundamental issue that must be jointly prioritized by BIMP-EAGA countries to ensure the region’s well-being.
From Cebu, he sent a strong message that ASEAN's future is determined not only by economic growth, but also by the region's ability to maintain energy and food security, and the stability of its people in a constantly changing world.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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