According to the Singapore's Strait Times, Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, stated at a natural gas production facility inauguration ceremony in Jakarta on the 22nd that Indonesia may stop exporting energy to countries that 'do not respect' Indonesia. The day before, he had hinted that Indonesia might not renew its natural gas export contracts with neighboring countries.
Lahadalia said, “I will conduct an evaluation. I will not hesitate to stop exporting to countries that do not respect Indonesia.”
However, he did not name specific countries.
He said that differences between countries should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. “We shouldn’t just turn to others for help when we need supplies, but instead act in a manner that disregards etiquette in other issues that could be negotiated. This is something we don’t want to see.”
He added that Indonesia is still willing to sign energy export agreements with countries that consider Indonesia as an equal partner, even though these countries currently do not have any relevant contracts with Jakarta.
Screenshot of video from Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Rakhadalia
According to reports, Rakhadaria told reporters on the 21st after attending a cabinet meeting that Indonesia might cease renewing its natural gas export contracts with neighboring countries in order to prioritize meeting domestic needs. “I am also considering ceasing the natural gas exports to neighboring countries, because we must first survive and meet our domestic demands.”
Indonesian President Prabowo once compared Indonesia's natural resources to blood, saying that a body cannot survive if it continues to lose blood. He urged all ministers to ensure that Indonesia's resources serve the country's people.
Last year, Indonesia exported natural gas to several countries, including Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and others. Data shows that Indonesia will export approximately 3.8 million tons of natural gas to Japan in 2025.
