ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2023 Officially Opened: Collaboration To Encourage Energy Progress

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) that has been waiting for has begun in Nusa Dua, Bali. This event was held in conjunction with the 41st ASEAN Minister of Energy Meeting (AMEM-41). AEBF 2023 is a forum that brings together representatives from industry, government, and academics to discuss energy and environmental issues.

The forum pioneered by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia in collaboration with the ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE) is dedicated to encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in finding sustainable energy solutions. Scheduled from August 24 to 26, 2023, this forum is expected to be a catalyst in the energy sector.

The opening day begins with the Joint Opening Ceremony of the 41st ASEAN Energy Minister Meeting (AMEM-41) with the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2023. In his opening speech, Arifin Tasrif, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Republic of Indonesia said the important forums for AMEM-41 and AEBF will not run successfully without excellent collaboration between Indonesia as the Chair of ASEAN and support of all ASEAN members as well as the ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE).

"ASEAN member countries are obliged to improve their technology, capabilities, capacity, and expertise to support energy transition targets in our country, as well as the ASEAN Plan of Action of Energy Cooperation (APAEC) target. This commitment is the foundation towards NZE and is also a guideline for the needs of technology, financing, infrastructure and others," added Minister Arifin.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif also said that in addition to the clean energy transition to achieve the NZE target, the most important thing about crucial energy issues is resilience and security and access. These pillars will accelerate energy connectivity to achieve sustainable ASEAN growth.

AEBF 2023, which raised the topic of "Accelerating Energy Connectivity to Achieve Sustainable Growth of ASEAN," has an important meaning. This event supports the vision of Indonesia's Chairmanship to make ASEAN a center of regional and global economic progress, thus paving the way for sustainable growth and development.

According to Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, efforts to encourage the energy transition have shown significant progress. The ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2023 can be a crucial solution and linkage, which facilitates the relationship between business and the energy industry with the government of ASEAN member countries.

This forum plays an important role in facilitating discussions among stakeholders on important energy-related issues. By promoting cooperation and collaboration, we seek to identify solutions that are beneficial to the ASEAN region, including technological advances, ensure reliable energy supply, and gain new insights in this area," said Dr. Nuki.

He also emphasized the importance of ACE's role as a leading think tank in the energy sector to emphasize the importance of discussing energy security, sustainable and accessible energy choices, as well as the undisputed business value of these sources.

Meanwhile, Dr. Andy Tirta, Corporate Affairs Manager of ACE & Chair of AEBF 2023 said, "This forum is designed to encourage collaboration among ASEAN countries to address the challenges that arise in the energy sector. This forum discusses topics related to the ASEAN Action Plan for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021 - 2025."

Securing the future of ASEAN requires significant energy investment. ACE's efforts to promote this kind of investment deserve appreciation. The AEBF event provides a useful platform for stakeholders to collaborate and exchange ideas in encouraging the ASEAN energy agenda.

In the 2023 AEBF Press Conference, Dadan Kusdiana, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia said that energy interconnectivity infrastructure in the Southeast Asia region is an important key to energy transition and achieving sustainable energy resilience of ASEAN member countries through cleaner, more stable and affordable energy.

"In addition to promoting energy efficiency and energy conversion technology to increase the use of renewable energy and energy management technology, meetings with business people, international partners and organizations that focus on energy at the AEBF and AMEM-41 forums will accelerate the energy transition in the ASEAN region, which each country has its own uniqueness," said Dadan.

The government certainly welcomes various forms of cooperation initiative and new partnerships, to ensure a fair and affordable energy transition for the entire ASEAN community. Currently, the trans-ASEAN gas pipeline platform (Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline/TAGP) and the ongoing ASEAN (APG) electricity grid will accelerate the clean energy transition and increase energy security.

Adding to the dynamics of AEBF 2023, the ASEAN Green Transport Rally event was successfully held and ended its journey in Nusa Dua, Bali. This rally covers routes from Jakarta to Surabaya before reaching Bali, and takes place from August 20 to August 24, 2023.

A number of environmentally friendly vehicles participated in this rally, including biodiesel fuel vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Not only showing off environmentally friendly vehicles, this rally also underscores our firm commitment to a variety of technology and sustainable fuel. The end of this rally was witnessed by ASEAN energy ministers.

Along with the continued AEBF 2023, it is a testament to the dedication of the ASEAN region in developing sustainable energy solutions and encouraging a more resilient and prosperous energy future. AEBF 2023 is supported by Dyandra Promosindo as co-organizer, as well as major sponsors: PT. Pertamina, National Workers Berhad, PLN, and SARAWAK ENERGY, along with sponsorship sessions and other partners.