Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan welcomed the United States’ support for Indonesia to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
The minister made the statement at the Tri Hita Karana Climate Change Forum titled "Aligning for Climate Action on Road to Net Zero Carbon Emission" held virtually here on Wednesday.
"Thanks to John Kerry (US Presidential Special Envoy on Climate Change) for his personal support and the United States government's support of our efforts. This joint forum demonstrates the commitment of the two countries to increase efforts to prevent climate change and achieve zero carbon emissions for the welfare of humans and the planet," he noted in a written statement here on Thursday.
Minister Pandjaitan highlighted that the Indonesian government was appreciative of the US support and cooperation for these crucial issues, including collaborative endeavors to create a better and more sustainable environment.
The minister drew attention to several key announcements made by Indonesia on its climate ambitions in recent weeks, including the declaration of zero carbon emissions by 2060, with terms and conditions in effect.
"PLN, as a state-owned energy company, has decided on a moratorium on the construction of new coal-fired power plants in their planning, starting in 2023. In addition, cooperation in the development and application of renewable energy technologies will be a top priority in this US-Indonesia relationship," he affirmed.
According to Pandjaitan, this collaboration could cover topics of energy modeling, transition from fossil energy, clean energy technology, and advanced clean energy through Government-to-Government collaborations and more broadly collaboration in investments and partnerships.
As a concrete measure, this collaboration is conducted in the planning and implementation of sub-national pilots for zero net carbon emissions, for instance, in the Bali area.
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"In this effort, the need for technological change and innovation as well as transition financing is a priority. Changes in innovative entrepreneurial and financial technologies are key to transforming our economy into a Natural Capital Carbon and Communities Superpower. We plan to launch a center of technological and financial excellence during our position (Indonesia) at the G20 forum in 2022," he emphasized.
The minister noted that the Indonesian government was currently seeking cooperation with the private sector to develop technological innovations through entrepreneurship.
"We also need a center, such as a center of future knowledge, which will focus on technology transfer, R&D by private investment with academia, and leading global research in realizing a better and sustainable future in Indonesia," he affirmed.
Moreover, the minister encouraged the United States to jointly raise environmental and climate change issues at the G20 forum in 2022.
Meanwhile, attendees at the Tri Hita Karana Climate Change Forum comprised the Special Envoy of the President of the United States for Climate Change John Kerry, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya, President of Conference of Parties 26 (COP26) Alok Sharma, Managing Director for Policy and Development Partnerships for the World Bank Mari Elka Pangestu, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar, Deputy for Coordination of Environmental and Forestry Management at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment Nani Hendiarti, and several other relevant officials.
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