The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin headed a Philippine delegation to Jakarta, Indonesia, for a series of high-level meetings aimed at securing coal supply, reinforcing bilateral energy cooperation, and obtaining greater clarity on Indonesia’s new export governance framework covering coal and other strategic natural resource commodities. The delegation, composed of officials from the DOE and the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, held separate discussions with Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (CMEA), led by Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), attended by Vice Minister Yuliot Tanjung and PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (PT DSI).
During engagements with MEMR and CMEA, the Philippine delegation highlighted Indonesia’s position as a strategic energy partner and the Philippines’ principal supplier of imported coal. The delegation reaffirmed the continued importance of coal in supporting the country’s power sector while requesting regulatory clarity regarding Indonesia’s export framework to help preserve power supply stability, affordability, and existing commercial arrangements.
Coordinating Minister Hartarto and Vice Minister Tanjung confirmed that the Indonesian government is pursuing improvements to regulations governing coal exports with the objective of enhancing transparency and strengthening traceability. They explained that PT DSI is leading this initiative and expects to release the draft regulation soon. At the same time, both officials stressed that Indonesia recognizes the importance of maintaining stable coal supply to partner economies that rely heavily on coal for electricity generation and industrial operations, emphasizing that the regulatory changes are intended to improve transparency in coal transactions rather than disrupt supply.
Secretary Garin welcomed Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining coal supply stability for its partner countries and underscored the value of regulatory certainty as Philippine stakeholders adapt their procurement strategies.
“Every partnership we build is about protecting the everyday lives of Filipinos. This commitment from Indonesia strengthens our efforts to keep our energy supply secure: helping hospitals care for patients, schools stay open, businesses create jobs, and families keep the lights on at home.” Secretary Garin said.
Talks Expand to LNG, Renewable Energy and ASEAN Regional Initiatives
In addition to coal, discussions between the two countries also explored opportunities for expanded cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy. The Philippines expressed particular interest in developing small-scale LNG projects capable of supplying off-grid islands. Both sides further agreed to encourage discussions among relevant government agencies and state-owned enterprises to examine potential government-to-government cooperation involving LNG.
The meetings also addressed major ASEAN energy initiatives, particularly the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), which remains one of the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) under its ASEAN Chairmanship. During the discussions, the Philippine delegation shared findings from ongoing studies indicating the technical feasibility of cross-border power interconnection and expressed optimism that a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on power interconnection could advance alongside the wider APG agenda. The DOE additionally sought updates regarding Indonesia’s domestic procedures for signing the Enhanced MOU on the APG and ratifying the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA), with Indonesia reaffirming its commitment to complete the necessary requirements.
Secretary Garin also renewed her invitation for MEMR to participate in the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), which the Philippines will host this October, while proposing that the Philippines–Indonesia Joint Energy Working Group convene on the sidelines of the event.
Indonesia Outlines New Export Framework and Long-Term Energy Cooperation
During a separate meeting with PT DSI, the Indonesian state-owned enterprise responsible for overseeing exports of strategic natural resource commodities, the Philippine delegation received a briefing on the phased implementation of Indonesia’s new export mechanism. PT DSI explained that the initial stage will prioritize documentation, transparency, and data consolidation before transitioning toward full implementation. Company officials emphasized that the new mechanism is designed to strengthen governance, transparency, and the long-term credibility of Indonesia’s commodity exports without disrupting existing trade. They added that current contracts will remain unaffected where no irregularities are identified.
Secretary Garin expressed appreciation to the Government of Indonesia for its openness, transparency, and continued support for the Philippines’ energy security. She noted that the visit reflects the enduring partnership between the two countries and reaffirmed the DOE’s commitment to maintaining close coordination with the Indonesian Government and the Philippine counterparts.
According to the DOE, the Jakarta meetings secured near-term supply assurances while advancing longer-term cooperation across regional interconnection, LNG, renewable energy, and energy security. The Department also reaffirmed its commitment to developing the country’s indigenous energy resources as part of its long-term strategy to deliver a secure, reliable, affordable and resilient energy future for the Filipino people.
