The Ministry Emphasizes Equal Energy Access in 3T Regions

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, underscored the importance of developing energy infrastructure that has a real impact on communities in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions. Bahlil while made the statement while accompanying the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the BIMP-EAGA Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

As quoted by the esdm.go.id website, Bahlil stated that subregional cooperation between Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines should not only focus on connectivity between countries, but must also ensure reliable and affordable electricity access to remote areas.

"This meeting is an initiative of subregional economic cooperation formed in 1994 to promote development in the 3T areas for the four member countries," he conveyed.

The Minister said that the BIMP-EAGA forum is an important momentum for Indonesia to strengthen the synergy of cross-regional electricity development, especially thru energy interconnection projects, rural electrification, and the development of new renewable energy. These efforts are considered important so that communities in border areas and remote islands can gain better access to energy, thereby encouraging local economic growth.

"This synergy will strengthen collaboration so that people in remote areas can access energy at affordable prices for better welfare," he said.

Thru this active participation, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is optimistic that the foundation of cooperation among the four countries will become even stronger to synergize in building energy infrastructure. It is expected not only to secure the supply chains of each country but also to accelerate Southeast Asia as a hub of resilient and sustainable economic growth.

Meanwhile, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, in his speech at the summit, affirmed that BIMP-EAGA must continue to develop in order to more effectively meet the needs of the community in the region. According to the President, the subregional cooperation must become more adaptive, impactful, and responsive to the ever-changing global dynamics.