ASCOPE members agree to strengthen regional energy cooperation
The Bali meeting addressed energy transition and supply security, while new member Timor-Leste highlighted opportunities to work with regional energy companies.
Members of the ASEAN Council on Petroleum and Energy (ASCOPE) concluded their 51st council meeting in Bali with agreements to strengthen regional energy cooperation. The forum reaffirmed commitments to address the energy transition, safeguard supply chains and exchange technology across Southeast Asia.
In a written statement dated 29 October 2026, PT Pertamina (Persero) president director Simon Aloysius Mantiri said energy resilience required systems capable of meeting current needs while supporting future generations. He said members had different challenges and capabilities, and that cooperation should draw on each country's strengths.
Timor-Leste representative Zeferino said full ASCOPE membership gave Timor Gap, the country's 15-year-old national energy company, opportunities to expand cooperation with other ASEAN national oil companies. He cited upstream and downstream operations, local-content development, support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and corporate social responsibility programmes.
Zeferino also said Indonesia's organisation of the Bali meeting offered lessons for Timor-Leste as it prepares to host the ASEAN Summit in 2029.
