Marcos wants boosted energy ties with Indonesia under new leadership

President Marcos is keen on partnering with Indonesia in the areas of energy transition and energy production as he looks forward to strengthening the Philippines’ ties with the Southeast Asian neighbor as it welcomes its new leader.

Marcos said this after his phone conversation with presumptive Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday, Feb. 22.

During their conversation, the President agreed with Prabowo that both countries have a lot in common and their bilateral relationship has grown since its formal establishment on Nov. 24, 1949.

In particular, Marcos said the Philippines is “much willing to partner with Indonesia, especially in terms of energy transition, green metals, and energy production.”

He noted that there are already some Indonesian companies that have invested in the Philippines.

President Marcos expressed hopes that Prabowo would continue the relationship established between his administration and the leadership of outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

“The traditional ties have grown stronger over 70 years. In recent years,

President Widodo explored many new possibilities. I would be very interested to meet with you to go into some details,” he said.

In response, Prabowo assured Marcos that he would build up what Widodo had established, particularly on the rich ties between the two countries as he expressed his desire to meet the chief executive in person.

“I am looking forward to working with you,” said Prabowo, who is currently Indonesia’s defense minister.

“[The] Philippine-indonesia relationship has many common interests. I like to know what you are thinking. I hope to meet you as soon as possible,” he added.