Japan and Indonesia Forge Strategic Energy and Security Alliance Amidst Middle East Oil Crisis

Prime Minister Takaichi and President Prabowo agree to secure LNG supplies and maritime routes as Middle East conflict drives global energy price volatility.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 12:22 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Japan Times

Bilateral Coordination Against Global Energy Volatility

The summit between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Prabowo Subianto centered on the urgent need for resource stability as the war in the Middle East sends oil and gas prices to record highs. Takaichi noted that the situation in Iran has forced a global reevaluation of energy security, particularly for Japan, which relies on the Middle East for 93 percent of its oil imports. The two leaders agreed to collaborate closely to mitigate supply disruptions, recognizing that the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz represents a systemic threat to their respective economies.

Securing Maritime Arteries and Trade Routes

A significant outcome of the discussions was the move toward assembling a "coalition of the willing" to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative aims to protect the vital waterway while signaling diplomatic alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for increased allied contributions to global security. While Indonesia is a net energy exporter, the country remains highly vulnerable to the inflationary pressures caused by global price spikes. By securing these maritime routes, both Jakarta and Tokyo hope to stabilize domestic markets and ensure the uninterrupted flow of liquefied natural gas and other essential commodities.

Deepening Defense and Regional Security Ties

Beyond energy, the two leaders advanced a comprehensive security agenda aimed at realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Takaichi announced that Japan would increase military aid and capacity-building support for Indonesia’s maritime security agencies. This follows recent statements from the Indonesian Defense Ministry regarding a potential trilateral security framework involving Japan and Australia. The convergence of interests in maritime stability highlights a shared desire to maintain the regional status quo and provide a strategic counterweight to growing assertiveness from other regional powers.