Jakarta, January 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed strong support for Indonesia’s efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency, a key priority in the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. This backing is being channeled through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) cooperation framework.
In a joint statement delivered during his meeting with President Prabowo at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Saturday, January 11, PM Ishiba emphasized Japan’s commitment to collaborating with Indonesia on decarbonization, renewable energy development, and critical mineral mining projects.
Highlighting ongoing bilateral cooperation, Ishiba noted that the two countries are working together on energy security and infrastructure development to achieve sustainable economic growth and decarbonization. One notable project under the AZEC framework is the Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant in South Solok, South Sumatra.
The Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant, operated by PT Supreme Energy Muara Laboh (SEML)—a joint venture between Indonesian and Japanese firms—has been producing 85 MW of electricity since Unit 1 began operations in 2019. Units 2 and 3 are slated for completion in 2027 and 2033, respectively, as part of Indonesia’s 15 geothermal power plant development projects supported by AZEC.
During the meeting, the Japanese government also pledged support for other Indonesian priorities, including food self-sufficiency, industrial downstreaming, defense capabilities, and free nutritious meals.
Prime Minister Ishiba, accompanied by First Lady Yoshiko Ishiba and their entourage, remarked that his discussions with President Prabowo were an excellent opportunity to deepen ties and strengthen cooperation between Japan and Indonesia.
