In his speech at the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Special Summit, part of the 48th ASEAN Summit, Prabowo emphasized that energy security is now a pressing challenge for the ASEAN region amidst the uncertain global situation.
“Energy security is one of the critical issues we face today. With increasing global pressure and instability in the Middle East, this is no longer a long-term issue, but an urgent one,” Prabowo said on Thursday (May 7, 2026).
Prabowo assessed that the BIMP-EAGA region has significant potential for renewable energy development, ranging from hydropower, solar power, and wind power. He encouraged ASEAN countries to move more quickly to harness this potential to support the region’s energy transition.
“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,” he said.
Besides energy, Prabowo also emphasized the importance of food security as a foundation for regional stability. He believed that ASEAN’s future is determined not only by economic growth but also by the ability to maintain social stability amidst global change.
Furthermore, Prabowo’s presence in a Maung vehicle manufactured by PT Pindad also drew attention. Intelligence and geopolitical observer Amir Hamzah assessed that this move was fraught with strategic messages.
“In the world of intelligence and geopolitics, symbols have their own language. When a head of state brings a nationally produced vehicle to an international forum, it conveys both a psychological and strategic message. Prabowo is demonstrating that Indonesia wants to stand on its own two feet, including in the defense sector,” Amir said on Friday (May 8, 2026).
According to Amir, Prabowo’s move shows Indonesia’s growing confidence in playing a strategic role in Southeast Asia amidst increasingly heated global rivalries.***