Indonesia mulls halting gas exports to neighbouring countries citing 'survival'

Indonesia is considering the possibility of terminating gas export contracts with neighbouring countries, said the country's Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia on Wednesday (Oct 21). Bahlil, who has also been the leader of Golkar party since August 2024, made these comments to the media after attending a plenary meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta, marking the second anniversary of President Prabowo Subianto's administration.Indonesian media outlets reported the minister as saying that the option is being considered in response to Prabowo's directive that require Indonesia to adopt a survival-oriented approach amid geopolitical tensions and global energy challenges."As state officials, we must translate what President Prabowo has said into concrete programmes to ensure the country's survival," the Jakarta Globe quoted Bahlil as saying.He added that the government could reassess its energy exports, particularly natural gas, to ensure domestic demand is first met, before additional supplies are allocated for overseas exports.