Indonesia has signaled it may suspend energy exports to countries perceived as showing disrespect toward Jakarta, according to statements by a senior minister on October 22. The comments followed earlier remarks by President Prabowo Subianto emphasizing the need to prioritize national interests and safeguard the country’s natural resources amid challenging conditions.
Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia, who also serves as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, indicated that Indonesia would review its energy export agreements with nations that do not demonstrate mutual respect, though he did not specify any countries. Speaking at an event inaugurating gas production facilities in Jakarta, Bahlil said, “I will conduct an evaluation. I will not hesitate to consider stopping exports to countries that do not respect Indonesia.”
Bahlil stressed the importance of resolving bilateral disagreements through dialogue and maintaining respectful relations. “Don’t come begging when you need something, but when there is another issue that can actually be discussed, behave like a relative who has no manners. This is what we do not want,” he added. However, he affirmed Indonesia’s openness to establishing export agreements with countries willing to engage as equals.
The minister’s latest statements followed a previous remark on October 21, when he raised the possibility of not renewing gas export contracts with neighboring countries to protect domestic supply. “I am also perhaps thinking of not extending gas exports to neighbouring countries, because we have to survive and meet domestic needs,” Bahlil told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.
Earlier, President Prabowo had likened Indonesia’s natural resources to blood essential for survival, warning that continuous loss would harm the nation. He urged government officials to ensure that these resources primarily benefit Indonesian citizens.
Indonesia exported natural gas to several countries in 2025, including major buyers Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency, Japan received approximately 3.8 million tonnes, China about 3.79 million tonnes, Singapore 3.22 million tonnes, and South Korea 2.27 million tonnes. Other regional recipients included Thailand and the Philippines.
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong noted in September 2025 that Indonesia remained a key supplier of natural gas, with existing contracts set to expire by the end of 2028. The two countries are also engaged in negotiations for Indonesia to export low-carbon electricity to Singapore, although pricing discussions have yet to be finalized. Jakarta is the only country to have signed an electricity export agreement with Singapore, while broader regional power grid integration is still under exploration.
On October 19, Bahlil remarked that talks over electricity exports to Singapore remained unsettled due to differences over pricing. He had earlier emphasized the need to review electricity export arrangements to enhance Indonesia’s economic benefits, including obtaining a greater role in pricing and project development.
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has granted provisional licenses for six Indonesian electricity import projects, totaling 3 gigawatts in capacity. Both countries aim to develop at least 3.4 gigawatts of cross-border electricity projects by 2035, reflecting ongoing regional cooperation despite existing commercial challenges.