Enviro News Asia, Yogyakarta – Indonesia and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing energy cooperation between the two nations.
The First Indonesia–Bangladesh Joint Committee Meeting on Energy was held in Yogyakarta on Friday (August 22, 2025), as a follow-up to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation on September 4, 2023.
The meeting marks an important milestone in strengthening the strategic energy partnership of both countries.
In his remarks, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Dadan Kusdiana, who served as Chairman of the Indonesian delegation, emphasized that cooperation with Bangladesh is highly significant amid today’s global energy landscape.
“Indonesia and Bangladesh are facing dual challenges—ensuring energy security and domestic economic growth, while at the same time transitioning toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system,” said Dadan in an official statement from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
He further explained that Indonesia and Bangladesh have long maintained close economic ties, with bilateral trade in 2024 reaching USD 2.94 billion.
Of that total, Indonesia’s coal exports dominated at USD 1.05 billion, equivalent to around 13.2 million tons.
In addition to coal, Indonesia exports palm oil, iron clinker, and chemical products, while Bangladesh supplies textiles, woven goods, and footwear to Indonesia—adding diversity and balance to bilateral trade relations.
Indonesia reiterated its readiness to support Bangladesh’s energy needs, particularly through a stable and affordable coal supply, while also committing to the development of clean coal technology and sustainable energy.
With national power generation capacity reaching 105 GW by mid-2025—15 percent of which comes from renewable energy—Indonesia is optimistic about serving as a strategic partner for Bangladesh.
Moreover, Indonesia is opening opportunities for collaboration in energy human resource development.
Two polytechnics under the ESDM Ministry—Politeknik Energi dan Mineral Akamigas Cepu and Politeknik Energi dan Pertambangan 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.
Indonesia remains open to collaboration with Bangladesh in energy infrastructure development, construction of new power plants, advancement of oil and gas projects, as well as scaling up renewable energy initiatives.
“We believe that through synergy between the two countries, we can ensure energy security, drive sustainability, and deliver benefits for the people of Indonesia and Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth and rising energy demand open up opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. Indonesia can support Bangladesh’s development, while also opening new horizons for Indonesian companies to invest and expand,” Dadan stated.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the Power Division of Bangladesh, Farzana Mamtaz, noted that this meeting reflects Bangladesh’s effort to deepen cooperation in the electricity and energy subsectors—two fundamental pillars of development in both countries.
“Currently, almost all of our citizens have access to electricity. However, as we aspire to become a developed nation, our energy demand continues to grow, requiring domestic innovation and stronger international partnerships. In this context, Indonesia stands as a partner—rich in energy resources and technological expertise, and a trusted friend in Asia,” said Mamtaz.
Bangladesh has already adopted its Renewable Energy Policy 2025, which targets 20% renewable energy by 2030 and 30% by 2040. Rooftop solar and coastal wind projects are growing rapidly. Mamtaz believes that Indonesia’s experience and technology can accelerate the achievement of these targets. (*)
