Jakarta – The government is enthusiastically encouraging the global expansion of national oil and gas companies by exploring strategic investment in the upstream energy sector of the United States (US). This step shows the government’s active leadership in strengthening economic diplomacy and creating a mutually beneficial trade balance between Indonesia and the US.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized that Indonesia has taken an important initiative by conducting intensive communication with the US Government. This effort is carried out in parallel with major countries such as Vietnam, Japan, and Italy, showing that Indonesia is at the forefront of building high-quality economic relations.
“Indonesia has previously held constructive talks with the US government. This proves Indonesia’s position as a strategic and visionary partner,” said Airlangga Hartarto.
In a meeting with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretary of Commerce, the Indonesian delegation presented various concrete plans, including increasing energy purchases from the US such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), crude oil, and gasoline. This step shows Indonesia’s strong commitment to building mutually reinforcing two-way cooperation.
“We also conveyed our firm intention to increase imports of agricultural products and capital goods from the US. All of this is to strengthen the national economic structure and expand access to technology,” explained Airlangga Hartarto.
The investment plan of Indonesian companies in the US is part of the government’s overall strategy to expand the influence of the national economy globally. This is also in line with the President’s policy in encouraging economic transformation and international competitiveness.
“In addition to inviting investment from the US, Indonesia is also encouraging our SOEs to invest there. This is proof of the government’s seriousness in building cross-border economic strength,” added Airlangga Hartarto.
Acting Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Tri Winarno, stated that the exploration process is ongoing with a very positive direction.
“Investment in the upstream is in the negotiation process and will be finalized soon. The government strongly supports this expansion for the sake of national interests,” said Tri Winarno.
This step is in line with the successful track record of other SOE expansions, such as MIND ID in Australia and PT Timah Tbk in Africa, which show the success of Indonesia’s overseas investment model under the direction of the government.
“There is no problem, in fact this is proof that Indonesian SOEs are able to compete globally and are fully supported by the government’s strategic policies,” added Tri Winarno.
Through this proactive policy, the government is not only expanding the export market, but also paving the way for the transformation of the national economy towards a more advanced and highly competitive direction under the leadership of President Prabowo.
