Impulsive reactions
Responding to economic implications of Middle East tensions, President Prabowo Subianto instructed his administration to speed up development of 100 GW solar power capacity, basically doubling the country’s total generating capacity (105 GW).
E20: Energy security or the birth of a bioethanol oligarchy?
Indonesia’s plan to introduce E20 — gasoline blended with 20 percent bioethanol — is emerging as the next chapter in the country’s quest for energy independence. For policymakers at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, the logic appears straightforward: reduce dependence on imported gasoline, promote domestic biofuel industries and create a new market for agricultural commodities.
Undervalued STA Resources
Shares of PT Sumber Tani Agung Resources (STAA) Tbk or STA Resources ended higher by 2.9% to Rp1,255 on Monday (Mar 9) as investors responded positively the company’s financial performance in 2025.
Cepu and the politics of the 50:50 debate
Debate over the future of Cepu, the largest oil producing block, has once again exposed a familiar tension in Indonesia’s energy policy: the delicate balance between attracting investment and defending national resource interests. The latest controversy centers on reports that ExxonMobil sought a 50:50 production split with the government in negotiations over the extension of the Cepu Block contract. While some officials acknowledged the figure appeared in early discussions, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has firmly rejected the suggestion that such a proposal is on the table.
Haji Isam’s TEBE, Dato’s BYAN & Widjaja’s GEMS
Dana Brata Luhur (TEBE), a coal logistic company controlled by the family of Haji Isam, coal miner Bayan Resources (BYAN) controlled by Dato Low Tuck Kwong, and Widjaja Family’s Golden Energy Mines (GEMS) provided us with some interesting facts from their full year 2025 financial statements.
FID approval for Hashim’s oil & gas project
Conrad Asia Energy Ltd and its subsidiary West Natuna Exploration Limited (WNEL) have secured approval of Final Investment Decision (FID) for the development of Mako gas field in Duyung production sharing contract (PSC).
Nickel production cut: Further pressure on Hillcon
Local media in North Maluku province quoted NGO leader last week that PT Hillcon Jaya Sakti, subsidiary of Hillcon (HILL), refused to pay salary of 700 workers since December 2025. It is not clear whether this is related to substantial cut of production quota granted to PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), the largest nickel miner in the country.
Nickel production cut: Not applied to Hengjaya
Pretty much as predicted, Indonesia’s nickel production cut is not applicable across the board. PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), a company co-owned by Tsingshan (China), Eramet (France), and Antam (Indonesia), and other nickel miners have received less than 30% of their requested quotas, but clearly not applied to Hengjaya Mine, subsidiary of ASX-listed Nickel Industries Ltd (NIC).
Why the Rush to Assure ExxonMobil?
Indonesia’s energy diplomacy with the United States is entering a delicate phase. After granting long-term operational certainty to Freeport Indonesia—controlled by Freeport-McMoRan—Jakarta is now signaling openness to extending ExxonMobil’s role in the Blok Cepu.
Ormat gains more grounds
A geothermal specialist company from the United States, Ormat Technologies through its subsidiary PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia has been awarded the Telaga Ranu Geothermal Working Area (WKP) in West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, following a competitive tender process.