Indonesia and Japan Expand Cooperation on Critical Minerals and Nuclear Energy
Indonesia and Japan have agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and nuclear energy through a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), reflecting shared concerns about energy security and long-term sustainability. The agreement was signed in Tokyo on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM), and sets out priorities ranging from supply chain resilience to low-carbon technology development across the Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic focus on minerals and nuclear technology
Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, said the partnership is intended to support a more integrated and sustainable energy system. He noted Indonesia’s openness to collaboration in managing critical minerals, highlighting the country’s significant natural resource base, including nickel, bauxite, tin, copper and rare earth elements.
“We are delighted to invite the Japanese government and our Japanese business aid to jointly manage our critical minerals in Indonesia,” — Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia
According to Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, cooperation on critical minerals will prioritise strengthening global supply chains to improve reliability and long-term stability. In parallel, nuclear energy collaboration will focus on the development of low-carbon technologies that meet high safety standards.
Energy security amid global uncertainty
Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Ryosei Akazawa, underscored the importance of international cooperation in responding to global uncertainty and safeguarding energy supplies. He pointed to Japan’s own strategic energy reserves as part of its preparedness measures.
“Amidst the current global crisis, it is crucial for us to strengthen cooperation to maintain energy security. Japan itself has prepared strategic energy reserves as a precautionary measure,” — Ryosei Akazawa, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Japan
Akazawa also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to ongoing energy cooperation projects with Indonesia, including support for waste-to-energy and geothermal initiatives that form part of the two countries’ broader strategic partnership.
Regional cooperation and decarbonisation goals
Beyond minerals and nuclear energy, both governments agreed to continue discussions on strengthening regional energy security. This includes cooperation across liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal supply chains, as well as accelerating energy transition projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework.
Projects highlighted under AZEC include the operation of the Sarulla geothermal power plant and the completion of the Legok Nangka waste-to-energy power plant. Together, these initiatives are expected to reinforce energy security while supporting decarbonisation efforts across the Indo-Pacific.
The agreement was first reported by ANTARA News, Indonesia’s national news agency.
