Japan supports Prabowo's energy self-sufficiency program through AZEC

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his support for Indonesia's efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency, as one of the priority programs in the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka's administration.

Japan's support is provided through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) cooperation framework.

Ishiba said Japan and Indonesia are pushing for cooperation in resources and infrastructure to maintain energy security and decarbonization in various ways.

In a joint statement on the outcomes of his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Bogor, West Java, Saturday (January 11), he also emphasized Japan's commitment to working with Indonesia in decarbonization projects, the development of new and renewable energy, and critical mineral mining.

Meanwhile, in the economic sector, the two countries shared a common view on the need to increase cooperation on stable energy supply, and to assist the Indonesian economy's sustainable development.

Both countries, he said, have confirmed cooperation for decarbonization and energy, as well as critical mineral mining such as the Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant under AZEC.

Unit 1 of the Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in South Solok, South Sumatra, has been operating since 2019 and has produced 85 MW of electricity.

The Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant is one of 15 geothermal power plant development projects in Indonesia supported by the AZEC cooperation framework.

The Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant is operated by PT Supreme Energy Muara Laboh (SEML), a joint venture between Indonesian and Japanese companies.

SEML is currently developing Units 2 and 3 of the Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant, which are targeted to operate in 2027 and 2033 respectively.

PM Ishiba visited the Bogor Palace on Saturday, along with First Lady Yoshiko Ishiba and their entourage, to meet with President Prabowo.

Prabowo then invited Ishiba to a meeting where the two agreed on several points of cooperation, in which the Japanese government would support Prabowo's priority programs namely food self-sufficiency, energy self-sufficiency, downstreaming and industrialization, building defense capabilities, and free nutritious meals.

Prime Minister Ishiba opined that his meeting with President Prabowo was a valuable opportunity to strengthen relations between Japan and Indonesia.