Antara, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Downstream and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia announced that Indonesia will not be exporting electricity anytime soon.

"We need the electricity," he said, while opening the 2026 Mineral and Coal Convention and Exhibition (Minerba Convex) in Jakarta on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Bahlil warned sovereign wealth fund Danantara to dodge lobbies from countries seeking to import electricity from Indonesia, adding that the permits ultimately lie with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. "I've told Danantara, don't let them lobby you. There's no such thing. The permit rests with the energy ministry, not Danantara," Bahlil said.

On the same occasion, Bahlil stressed that Indonesia's sovereignty is non-negotiable, and national interests come first regarding exports. He warned other countries to avoid reaping benefits from Indonesia without consideration. "As soon as things show some cracks, they move out of line," he said.

In July 2026, Bahlil announced that talks were underway with Singapore regarding the price of green electricity from Indonesia that would give balanced economic benefits for both countries.

The cross-border electricity trade plan is part of the efforts to bolster economic relations between the two countries, particularly in the development of green energy and the energy transition. However, the implementation of the deal hinges on the results of the price negotiations, as Indonesian seeks real economic benefits from the deal while supporting the sustainability of energy cooperation with Singapore.

President Prabowo Subianto also appointed Danantara to implement the cross-border electricity trade cooperation with Singapore.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2122820/indonesia-wont-be-exporting-electricity-anytime-soon-says-ministe