Indonesia And The UAE Agree To Strengthen Energy And Mineral Resources Cooperation

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia Bahlil Lahadalia agreed on cooperation in the field of energy and mineral resources with the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazrouei.

The strengthening of the cooperation was stated through mutual understanding (MSP) which was signed by the two ministers in front of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Saturday (23/11).

In the release of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, quoted in Jakarta, Sunday, it was stated that the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the United UAE confirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in the field of the energy sector and mineral resources.

The two countries agreed to expand cooperation coverage ranging from information and policy exchanges, collaboration between business entities, project financing, net technology transfer, to human resource development.

Prior to the signing, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources accompanied President Prabowo to hold a bilateral meeting to exchange views on issues of common interest that would provide benefits to the two countries.

Minister Bahlil also expressed the importance of MSP for both parties in deepening the involvement and friendship of the two countries.

This can be seen from the commitment of the two countries to review each other's benefits and experiences in order to support the development of the energy sector and mineral resources globally.

"We believe, with a slick synergy, Indonesia and the UAE can be a pioneer in transforming global energy," Bahlil said after the signing.

Through UAE support, he continued, Indonesia can accelerate the development of the energy sector by utilizing innovative technology and sustainable management of mineral resources.

This is part of one of the manifestations of the Asta Cita program, which was promoted by President Prabowo, especially related to self-sufficiency in energy and downstreaming.

"Through this MSP, we not only strengthen friendship, but create concrete solutions in overcoming energy challenges in the country and globally," he said.

Bahlil said that this collaboration can encourage collaboration between business entities from the two countries in the field of mineral supply chains, which include integrated midstream and downstream processing and manufacturing.

"This collaboration is part of the development of EBT, including the initiative to decarbonize, reduce emissions, and develop oil and gas activities covering upstream and downstream by encouraging technology and low-emission innovation," he added.

In detail, the implementation of the cooperation contained in the MSP, includes sharing knowledge related to policies, strategies and regulations, opening up opportunities for financing in carbon capture storage/carbon capture utility storage (CCS/CCUS) projects and developing innovative technologies for biofuels and hydrogen, as well as increasing the competence of human resources in the energy sector.

Bahlil assessed that the expansion of the cooperation was in line with Indonesia's great vision to achieve net zero emissions by 2060.

The government is optimistic that support from the UAE can strengthen Indonesia's position as a key player in the global energy sector.

With the signing of the MoU, Indonesia and the UAE affirm their commitment not only to adapt to the changing times, but also to lead a sustainable and inclusive energy transformation.

"This is about the legacy of the energy sector that we leave behind for future generations," said Bahlil.