Indonesia puts domestic power needs ahead of exports to Singapore
Bahlil Lahadalia says Indonesia cannot yet export electricity, despite an earlier memorandum of understanding with Singapore.
Indonesia cannot yet supply electricity abroad because it must prioritise demand at home, minister Bahlil Lahadalia said at Minerba Convex 2026 in Jakarta on 2 November 2026. His position leaves electricity export negotiations with Singapore stalled, according to CNBC Indonesia.
Bahlil, who serves as coordinating minister for downstream industries and energy transition as well as energy and mineral resources minister, told investment agency Danantara Indonesia not to yield to lobbying. He said authority to issue the permits rests with the energy and mineral resources ministry, not Danantara.
Indonesia had previously signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore on electricity exports. The government also allowed for business-to-business transactions, under which Danantara or private companies could partner with Singaporean firms, provided the arrangements remained economically competitive for Indonesia.
Explaining his stance, Bahlil said national sovereignty and dignity took precedence. He reiterated that meeting Indonesia’s own electricity requirements would come before supplying other countries.
