Yogyakarta. Indonesia on Wednesday underscored the need for deeper regional energy collaboration during an expanded Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) summit, as governments move to address rising global energy risks amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The virtual meeting, led by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, brought together core AZEC members along with additional partners including Bangladesh, Timor-Leste, India, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, as well as international institutions such as the International Energy Agency and the Asian Development Bank.

In response to ongoing energy market disruptions, the meeting launched an “assistance package plan” aimed at strengthening both short-term supply security and long-term resilience. The plan includes emergency measures to secure crude oil and energy supplies, alongside structural initiatives to transform the AZEC framework into “AZEC 2.0” and mobilize financing of ¥1.5 trillion (around $10 billion).

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, representing President Prabowo Subianto, welcomed Japan’s swift response in convening the meeting amid growing global uncertainty.

Airlangga stressed that cooperation within AZEC should continue to be guided by the principle of “One Goal, Various Pathways,” allowing each country to leverage its unique economic strengths in the transition toward cleaner energy.

He also outlined Indonesia’s domestic measures to mitigate risks in the Persian Gulf, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. These include plans to roll out a B50 biodiesel program by mid-2026 and finalize a roadmap this year for developing 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity as key pillars of national energy resilience.

Indonesia reiterated that collaboration through AZEC has become increasingly critical, building on momentum from the third AZEC summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, where Indonesia and Japan agreed on 21 new memorandums of understanding covering energy and sustainable development.

The agreements span renewable energy, decarbonization, and supply chain strengthening, involving a range of institutions and companies from both countries. AZEC has since positioned itself as an inclusive and adaptive platform supporting energy transition pathways tailored to member countries’ needs.

Indonesia has also continued to push for tangible collaboration outcomes, particularly in financing and project execution. Progress has been demonstrated through the AZEC Expert Group Meeting, which has helped resolve bottlenecks in key projects such as the Muara Laboh geothermal power plant and the Legok Nangka solar power project.

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