President Prabowo Subianto recently addressed a regional forum, shedding light on the persistent pressure exerted on ASEAN nations’ energy situations by ongoing global supply chain disruptions. His remarks underscored the urgent need for a strategic shift in regional energy policy and collective preparedness.
Prabowo stressed the imperative for ASEAN to prepare for worst-case scenarios, necessitating an immediate overhaul of its energy architecture through non-negotiable diversification. He further elaborated on Indonesia’s concrete initiatives aimed at bolstering renewable energy capabilities, setting a precedent for robust regional action.
“Indonesia is taking tangible steps by developing an ambitious 100-gigawatt solar energy program, slated for completion within three years,” Prabowo announced during the opening of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, on Friday (8/5). This ambitious project highlights Indonesia’s profound commitment to a greener, more sustainable energy future.
Beyond solar power, Indonesia is also prioritizing the development of bioenergy and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. These initiatives are positioned as crucial pillars in establishing robust national energy resilience, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and enhance environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, Prabowo emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding maritime trade routes across the region from any form of disruption. He asserted that the stability of ASEAN waters is paramount for preventing a global food crisis, explaining that even minor disturbances along these vital routes would directly impact the global distribution of essential commodities.
“Any disruption in our waters would not only destabilize global supply chains but also severely impact the food supply system,” Prabowo added, reinforcing the interconnectedness of maritime security and global stability, particularly concerning vital resources.
Food Security and the Threat of El Nino
Addressing the looming threat of extreme El Niño weather patterns, Prabowo called for more intensive technological cooperation and enhanced food information exchange among ASEAN member states. This collaborative approach is deemed vital for mitigating the impacts of climate-related agricultural challenges and ensuring regional preparedness.
He emphatically stated that agricultural affairs should not be left entirely to the private sector. Prabowo argued that agriculture is intrinsically linked to national sovereignty and the fundamental survival of the populace, demanding direct governmental oversight and intervention rather than sole reliance on market forces.
“We must promote locally-based food reserves. Food security is about government leadership, government intervention. Indonesia does not believe that agriculture should solely be entrusted to the private sector. Agriculture is too important. Food security is vital,” he elaborated, articulating Indonesia’s firm stance on the matter with conviction.
Indonesia firmly believes that comprehensive food security is the government’s full responsibility. Prabowo underscored that food sovereignty forms the indispensable bedrock of a nation’s independence. Without sufficient and accessible food for its citizens, he warned, achieving stability and fostering peace within the region would become an impossible endeavor.
“Without food, there is essentially no society. Without food, there is no independence. Without food, there is no peace,” Prabowo concluded, powerfully encapsulating the profound significance of food availability for societal well-being, national integrity, and regional harmony.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto addressed a regional forum, highlighting how global supply chain disruptions pressure ASEAN’s energy situations and the urgent need for a strategic shift with diversification. Indonesia is actively pursuing an ambitious 100-gigawatt solar energy program slated for completion within three years, alongside prioritizing bioenergy and accelerating electric vehicle adoption. He also emphasized safeguarding maritime trade routes, asserting that any disruption in ASEAN waters would destabilize global supply chains and severely impact the food supply system.
Regarding food security, Prabowo called for intensive technological cooperation and enhanced food information exchange among ASEAN nations to mitigate El Niño impacts. He firmly stated that agriculture should not be left solely to the private sector, as it is intrinsically linked to national sovereignty and public survival, requiring direct governmental oversight. Indonesia believes comprehensive food security is the government’s full responsibility, considering food sovereignty indispensable for national independence, stability, and regional peace.