Indonesia, U.S. Explore Cooperation in Critical Minerals, AI, and Nuclear Power
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KUALA LUMPUR, investortrust.id — Indonesia and the United States have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation across critical sectors, including mineral refining, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, and small modular nuclear reactors.
The commitment emerged during a bilateral meeting between Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jacob Helberg on Monday, Oct 27, 2025, held on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The discussion focused on expanding economic cooperation, trade and investment, as well as advancing strategic trade management through export control and border security initiatives under the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program. Airlangga and Helberg also reviewed developments in U.S. investment in Indonesia and growth in the country’s digital economy, particularly in AI and data centers.
Airlangga said Indonesia continues to open investment opportunities for the United States in several strategic industries. “We are ready to collaborate on refining facilities for nickel and other critical minerals, developing high-end semiconductors, strengthening tech talent, advancing artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and exploring small modular reactors,” he said.
He added that Indonesia–U.S. relations are currently in a highly positive phase, presenting a key moment to build an inclusive and sustainable economic partnership. “The partnership between Indonesia and the U.S. continues to grow in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit. We see concrete opportunities to work together in strengthening economic resilience, driving the energy transition, and developing inclusive technology,” Airlangga said.
The minister also said Indonesia is considering hosting the Southeast Asia Forum on Export Control (SEAFEC) in 2026, an international platform focused on enhancing strategic trade management and export monitoring systems in the region.
Airlangga reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with the United States, emphasizing resilient supply chains, sustainable investment, and inclusive development as the foundation of the future partnership.