Enviro News Asia, Yogyakarta – Indonesia and Bangladesh are committed to continuing energy cooperation between the two countries.
The First Indonesia–Bangladesh Joint Committee Meeting on Energy was held in Yogyakarta, Friday (22 August), as a follow-up to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation on 4 September 2023.
This meeting marks a significant milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations in the energy sector.
In his remarks, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia, Dadan Kusdiana, who served as Chairman of the Indonesian delegation, stated that cooperation between Indonesia and Bangladesh is crucial amid the current global energy landscape.
“Indonesia and Bangladesh are facing dual challenges: ensuring energy security and domestic economic growth, while at the same time transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system,” said Dadan.
He elaborated that Indonesia and Bangladesh have long maintained close economic relations, with bilateral trade reaching USD 2.94 billion in 2024.
Of this total, Indonesia’s coal exports dominated, valued at USD 1.05 billion or approximately 13.2 million tons.
In addition to coal, Indonesia also exports palm oil, iron clinker, and chemical products, while Bangladesh supplies textiles, woven products, and footwear to Indonesia, adding diversity and balance to bilateral trade relations.
Indonesia reaffirmed its readiness to support Bangladesh’s energy needs, particularly by ensuring a stable and affordable coal supply, while also committing to the development of clean coal technologies and sustainable energy.
With its national electricity generation capacity having reached 105 GW by mid-2025, 15 percent of which is based on renewable energy, Indonesia is confident in its potential as a strategic partner for Bangladesh.
Furthermore, Indonesia is opening opportunities for collaboration in energy human resource development.
Two polytechnics under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Energy and Mineral Polytechnic Akamigas Cepu and the Energy and Mining Polytechnic Bandung, are ready to support workforce capacity building in the energy sector of both countries.
According to Dadan, this meeting not only strengthens friendship but also lays the foundation for long-term cooperation in the energy sector between Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Indonesia remains open to opportunities for collaboration with Bangladesh in developing energy infrastructure, building new power plants, advancing oil and gas projects, and enhancing renewable energy initiatives.
“We believe that through synergy between the two countries, we can ensure energy security, promote sustainability, and deliver benefits to the people of Indonesia and Bangladesh. The rapid economic growth and rising energy demand in Bangladesh present opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. Indonesia can support Bangladesh’s development while also opening new horizons for Indonesian companies to invest and grow,” Dadan affirmed.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the Power Division of Bangladesh, Farzana Mamtaz, emphasized that through this bilateral meeting, Bangladesh seeks to deepen cooperation in the electricity and energy subsectors, which are both fundamental to the development of the two countries.
“Currently, nearly all of our population has access to electricity. However, as we aspire to become a developed nation, our energy demand continues to increase, requiring domestic innovation and stronger international partnerships. In this context, Indonesia stands as a partner an energy-rich nation with technological expertise, as well as a trusted friend in Asia,” said Mamtaz.
Bangladesh has adopted the Renewable Energy Policy 2025, which sets targets of 20 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040.
Rooftop solar projects and coastal wind farms are rapidly expanding. Mamtaz expressed confidence that Indonesia’s experience and technology could accelerate the achievement of these ambitious targets. (*)
