Indonesia-Philippines Emphasize the Importance of Energy Resilience and Regional Stability

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RI)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Sugiono together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro led the 8th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) Indonesia-Philippines at the Pancasila Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Thursday.

This meeting is an important momentum to strengthen the strategic partnership between Indonesia and the Philippines as well as strengthen regional coordination, especially in the capacity of the Philippines as the Chair of ASEAN this year.

The discussion focused on cooperation that has a direct impact on both countries, especially in the field of border management, maritime security, trade, investment, energy, and consular issues.

The two foreign ministers also emphasized the importance of strategic energy and mineral cooperation, including through the Indonesia-Philippines Critical Minerals Partnership and the nickel alliance to strengthen global supply chains and downstream industries.

"As the world's two largest nickel producers, Indonesia and the Philippines need to work together to build a stronger and more resilient global supply chain," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, launching the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (23/4) statement.

The 8th JCBC Indonesia - Philippines meeting. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RI)

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the importance of maintaining regional stability and strengthening ASEAN's centrality in the midst of increasingly complex global geopolitical dynamics.

Regarding developments in the Middle East, the two Foreign Ministers highlighted the importance of preventing further escalation, given its direct impact on regional stability, global energy security, and the smooth running of international supply chains, including through the Strait of Hormuz.

At the same time, Indonesia emphasized that sustainable peace in the Middle East would not be achieved without a just settlement for the Palestinians.

"Any escalation in the Middle East will have a direct impact on global energy security and supply chains. Therefore, de-escalation and a just solution for the Palestinians must continue to be a priority," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

It is known that the Philippines is one of Indonesia's main trading partners in Southeast Asia, with a bilateral trade value in 2025 reaching 12.02 billion US dollars, as well as an important partner in strengthening energy resilience, including as Indonesia's largest coal export market in the region.

Through JCBC as the main mechanism for bilateral dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers, both countries continue to ensure concrete follow-up and new directions for strengthening the Indonesia-Philippines strategic partnership.