President Prabowo made this statement at the BIMP-EAGA Special Summit, part of a series of ASEAN meetings. According to the President, current global challenges demand closer, more adaptive collaboration that will deliver tangible impacts to the people of the region.
In his remarks, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his welcoming speech and leadership at the forum. He considered the momentum of the BIMP-EAGA Summit to be highly strategic amidst increasing global pressures, particularly in the energy and food sectors.
“This Special Summit comes at a very critical time. The challenges we face demand closer and more effective collaboration among us,” said President Prabowo.
The President emphasized that BIMP-EAGA must evolve into a subregional organization that is more responsive to global changes and the needs of the people. “BIMP-EAGA must be more adaptive, more impactful, and more responsive to the needs of our people,” he continued.
In his speech, President Prabowo also highlighted the issue of energy security, which he considered increasingly pressing due to global pressures and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
“Energy security is one of the important issues we face today. This is no longer a long-term problem, but an urgent one,” he emphasized.
The President stated that the BIMP-EAGA region has enormous potential for renewable energy development, from hydropower to solar to wind.
“The question is whether we are ready to act on this potential. Not only to meet our subregional needs, but also to contribute to ASEAN’s energy transition,” the President said.
On the sidelines of the 27th Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Community Council, Indonesia also strengthened its strategic position through nickel industry cooperation with the Philippines.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, along with Philippine Minister of Trade and Industry, Maria Cristina A. Roque, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between APNI and PNIA regarding the development of the strategic nickel industry.
Airlangga said the collaboration forms the foundation of the “Indonesia-Philippines Nickel Corridor,” connecting Indonesia’s downstreaming capabilities with the Philippines’ nickel ore supply.
“This will become an integral hub for nickel reserves and production for the world,” Airlangga said.