RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is opening wider opportunities for Japan to participate in the management of critical minerals, which are essential for the development of future energy technologies. This step is expected to strengthen the clean energy supply chain and deepen the two countries' strategic partnership in the Asia-Pacific region.

As reported by the ministry's official website, this commitment emerged during a bilateral meeting between Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Ryosei Akazawa on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

During the meeting, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in two strategic areas: critical minerals and nuclear energy. This cooperation is aimed at strengthening a more resilient energy system while supporting the development of low-carbon technologies.

Minister Bahlil said that Indonesia is open to collaboration between the Japanese government and businesses in managing Indonesia's strategic mineral resources.

"I very much welcome the memorandum we signed today, particularly in the area of critical minerals. We are very open and happy to ask the Japanese government and Japanese businesses to jointly manage our critical minerals in Indonesia," he said.

Indonesia currently holds a key position in the global supply chain for strategic minerals. The country controls approximately 43 percent of the world's nickel reserves and also has large reserves of bauxite, tin, copper, and potential rare earth metals needed for the development of batteries, electric vehicles, and clean energy technologies.

Through this collaboration, both countries hope to strengthen the security of the global supply chain while accelerating the development of clean energy technologies based on critical minerals.

Meanwhile, Japan views regional energy cooperation as increasingly important amidst global geopolitical uncertainty. Akazawa emphasized the need for closer collaboration between countries to maintain energy supply stability.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian government for its support for the export of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Japan, which has long been a vital energy source for the country.

In addition to critical minerals, the collaboration also includes the development of nuclear energy, emphasizing high safety standards. Through this collaboration, Indonesia has the opportunity to leverage Japan's experience and technology in developing low-carbon energy solutions.

Going forward, the two countries will also continue discussions on strengthening the LNG and coal supply chains, as well as accelerating various energy transition projects within the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework.

This collaboration is expected to not only strengthen the energy security of both countries but also contribute to decarbonization efforts and the development of sustainable energy systems in the Indo-Pacific region. ***