President Prabowo Urges BIMP-EAGA to Accelerate Energy Transition, Achieve Food Security
President Prabowo Subianto attends the Special Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, Thursday (05/07). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
Rising global tensions and geopolitical instability in the Middle East make energy security an urgent issue that needs to be addressed shortly, according to President Prabowo Subianto.
“Energy security is one of the important issues we face today. With growing global tensions and instability in the Middle East, it is no longer a long-term problem but an urgent problem,” he said in his remarks at the Special Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, on Thursday (05/07).
The Head of State pointed out that the BIMP-EAGA has immense potential for renewable energy development, with sources ranging from hydropower, solar power, and wind power to fertile land that has not been used optimally.
“The question is whether we are ready to act based on that potential. Not only to meet our subregional needs but also to contribute to ASEAN’s energy transition,” he said.
President Prabowo also pushed for concrete measures to accelerate clean energy development in the region, including hydropower development in Borneo, expansion of the solar power energy project in Palawan, and use of wind power in coastal areas.
“[Indonesia’s] energy transition is progressing at full speed. We are building solar generators with a capacity of 100 GW. Together, we can improve our energy infrastructure. BIMP-EAGA has a huge potential,” he said.
In addition to energy development, the President also underscored the importance of enhancing subregional connectivity, including increasing the capacity of the Trans Borneo Power Grid to allow more efficient energy distribution in the region.
According to President Prabowo, the agenda requires financial support, technical expertise, and a stronger partnership with regional development partners.
“All this cannot happen without proper support. We need to secure funding, mobilize technical expertise, and enhance partnership with our regional advisors and development partners,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the President stressed that in addition to energy security, food security is a fundamental issue that must be a shared concern for BIMP-EAGA countries in maintaining the well-being of people in the region.
“However, our efforts must not stop at energy security. Food security is just as fundamental,” he remarked.
In Cebu, President Prabowo conveyed a strong message that ASEAN’s future is not only determined by economic growth but also the region’s ability to maintain energy security, food security, and social stability amid the ever-changing world. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/TM)
