Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in two strategic areas, critical minerals and nuclear energy. The signing happened on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of Indonesia, Bahlil Lahadalia, said that the Indonesian government is open to collaboration with Japan to manage critical minerals in Indonesia.
"We are very open to it. We are delighted to invite the Japanese government and Japanese business partners to jointly manage our critical minerals in Indonesia," said Bahlil, as stated in ESDM’s press release on Sunday.
Bahlil also highlighted Indonesia's vast reserves of nickel, bauxite, tin, copper, and rare earth elements.
For the critical minerals sector, the collaboration is aimed at strengthening the global supply chain to make the sector more secure and reliable. The collaboration is also expected to support the development of clean energy technology by utilizing Indonesia's strategic mineral resources.
Japan Continues to Support Energy Projects with Indonesia
The Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), Ryosei Akazawa, emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration between countries in facing global dynamics, particularly in maintaining energy security and supply sustainability.
"Amid the current global crisis, it is important for us to strengthen cooperation to maintain energy security. Japan has prepared strategic energy reserves as a precautionary measure," Akazawa said.
Akazawa also expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian government for its support for the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export permit to Japan. He said Japan continues its commitment to support various energy cooperation projects with Indonesia, including the completion of the Legok Nangka Waste-to-Energy Power Plant (PLTSa) project as part of the two countries' strategic partnership.
Meanwhile, cooperation in the nuclear energy sector focuses on the development and utilization of technology while maintaining high safety standards. Through this collaboration, Indonesia has the opportunity to utilize Japan's experience and technology in developing low-carbon energy solutions.
Going forward, the two countries will continue discussions on strengthening regional energy security, including cooperation in the LNG and coal supply chains, as well as accelerating energy transition projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, such as the operation of the Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) and the completion of the Legok Nangka Waste-to-Energy Power Plant (PLTSa).
The collaboration between Indonesia and Japan is expected to strengthen energy security and support decarbonization efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion
Indonesia and Japan signed an MoC on critical minerals and nuclear energy sectors to strengthen energy security and global supply chains, as well as support the development of clean energy and the energy transition in the Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia is open to collaborative opportunities with Japan to be involved in the management of critical minerals in Indonesia. Japan is also committed to supporting various energy projects in Indonesia, including the completion of PLTSa.
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