TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that the government is open to exporting electricity to Singapore. However, he stressed that the partnership must be equitable and provide mutual benefits.

"We don't have a problem with exporting electricity to Singapore. But I ask, what is Singapore giving to Indonesia?" Bahlil said at his office on Friday, February 21, 2025. He emphasized that international relations, especially within the ASEAN region, must be founded on principles of equality and fair treatment.

According to Bahlil, the Indonesian government desires investment from Singapore as a reciprocal gesture. "We are encouraging investment, so they should also invest with us," he remarked.

He further highlighted that Singapore requests the export of new energy from Indonesia, but they impose numerous demands in other areas, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), without offering tangible advantages to Indonesia. Therefore, the policies of President Prabowo Subianto's administration will prioritize national interests.

"I don't want our country to lose its dignity in the eyes of other nations. We are good to other countries, we give to them, but they should also give us something in return," he asserted.

Bahlil revealed that teams from Indonesia and Singapore are currently in the initial stages of discussion to determine the optimal structure for this electricity export cooperation. The government aims to guarantee that the decisions made will be mutually advantageous and aligned with national priorities.

Previously, while serving as the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan noted that Singapore strongly desires cooperation with Indonesia for the supply of electricity using clean energy. Luhut expressed hope that Indonesia could begin exporting this commodity.

"They really hope to cooperate with Indonesia for electricity supply. Hopefully, we can start exporting, because currently, 95-96 percent of their electricity still relies on fossil fuels," Luhut stated.

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