Indonesia could stop exporting energy to countries that disrespect it, Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia warned on Oct 22, 2026. The warning arrived just a day after the minister suggested Jakarta might not renew expiring gas export contracts with neighboring nations. The policy shift aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s recent directive for Indonesia to safeguard its natural resources and prioritize national survival amid challenging global circumstances.
Bahlil Lahadalia Warns of Energy Export Cuts Over Mutual Respect
Speaking in Jakarta at an event marking the commissioning of gas production facilities on Oct 22, 2026, Bahlil stated that he would evaluate existing energy export agreements. He warned that Jakarta would not hesitate to halt exports to any nation that failed to show mutual respect. The minister, who also serves as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and chairs the Golkar Party, did not name any specific country or dispute during his remarks.
Bahlil emphasized that international disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect rather than poor behavior. Don’t come begging when you need something, but when there is another issue that can actually be discussed, behave like a relative who has no manners. This is what we do not want,
Bahlil said. Despite the sharp warning, he added that Indonesia remains open to concluding new energy export agreements with countries that treat the nation as an equal, even if those partners do not currently hold contracts with Jakarta.
Did You Know? Indonesia exported natural gas to several nations in 2025, with Statistics Indonesia data showing Japan received about 3.8 million tonnes, followed by China with 3.79 million tonnes, Singapore with 3.22 million tonnes, and South Korea with 2.27 million tonnes. Smaller shipments went to Thailand and the Philippines at roughly 291,000 tonnes and 138,000 tonnes respectively.
Indonesia Enters Survival Mode to Prioritize Domestic Energy Needs
The hardening stance on energy shipments follows a plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Oct 21, 2026. Bahlil told reporters that he was considering letting gas export contracts with neighboring countries lapse to ensure domestic supply demands are met. President Prabowo likened Indonesia’s natural resources to blood, warning that the country cannot survive if it continues to lose vital resources. Bahlil echoed this sentiment by noting that state officials must operate under the premise that Indonesia is in survival mode.
The potential contraction of energy exports also touches upon ongoing cross-border infrastructure and electricity negotiations. Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong noted in Parliament in September 2025 that Indonesia remains one of Singapore’s main sources of natural gas, with current import contracts scheduled to expire at the end of 2028. Meanwhile, discussions regarding future low-carbon electricity exports to Singapore have faced hurdles over pricing differences. While Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has granted conditional licences for six Indonesian electricity import projects totaling 3 gigawatts, Bahlil stated on Oct 22 that pricing disagreements have stalled final agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries received the largest volumes of natural gas from Indonesia in 2025?
According to data from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency, Japan received the highest volume at about 3.8 million tonnes. China followed closely with 3.79 million tonnes, Singapore received 3.22 million tonnes, and South Korea imported 2.27 million tonnes.
When do Singapore’s current natural gas import contracts with Indonesia expire?
Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong stated in Parliament in September 2025 that the existing natural gas import contracts between the two nations are set to expire at the end of 2028.
What specific electricity export projects are currently being negotiated with Singapore?
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has granted conditional licenses to six Indonesian electricity import projects representing a combined capacity of 3 gigawatts. Both governments are also working toward developing at least 3.4 gigawatts of cross-border electricity projects by 2035, though pricing negotiations remain unresolved.
How will regional trade partners in Southeast Asia respond to Jakarta’s strict new conditions on natural resource exports?
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