Meeting With The German Ambassador, Moeldoko: Indonesia Has A Strong Commitment To Environmental Improvement Issues

Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko met with the German Ambassador to Indonesia, Ina Lepel, at the Bina Graha Building, Jakarta, Monday (13/12). (ANTARA/HO-Presidential Staff Office)

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko in a meeting with the German Ambassador to Indonesia, Ina Lepel, emphasized that Indonesia has a strong commitment to environmental improvement efforts.

"Indonesia does have a strong commitment to environmental improvement issues. This is evidenced by Indonesia's commitment to the Paris Agreement and COP26 (Conference of the Parties to Climate Change) in Glasgow, Scotland," said Moeldoko at Bina Graha, Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Monday, December 13th.

Therefore, Moeldoko emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Germany, especially in the fields of green economy and environmental conservation.

In addition, said Moeldoko, the government will also build a Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) in North Kalimantan which can produce up to 11,000 Mega Watt (MW) of electricity to support green industrial areas.

According to the former TNI commander, Indonesia has now begun to reduce coal consumption as an energy source. However, Moeldoko admits that to switch from coal to renewable energy, it takes hard work.

In addition, the need for funding for the energy transition to a clean emission country or Net Zero Emission in 2060 is also very large.

"We have confidence that we have the resources to be used as renewable energy, including water, solar and marine energy. Germany is already very advanced in this sector, maybe more exploration is needed for German investors to explore these new sources," said Moeldoko.

The bilateral relations between Indonesia and Germany since 2012 have been strengthened by the Joint Declaration for a Comprehensive Partnership. The two countries agreed to develop cooperation in the fields of economy, education, research and technology, health, defense industry, food security, and transportation.

At that time, President Jokowi and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, agreed to strengthen strategic partnerships in the fields of vocational education, renewable energy, and maritime cooperation.

Now, after Germany has a new chancellor to replace Angela Merkel's 16-year leadership, Moeldoko also hopes that Germany and Indonesia can strengthen cooperation again.

On December 8, 2021, Angela Merkel handed over the baton as Chancellor of Germany to Olaf Scholz.

“We think that especially in the areas of climate change, sustainable finance, and energy efficiency, there is a lot of room for dialogue between Indonesia and Germany. We hope that there will be many direct exchanges (ministry visits) both bilaterally and through the G20 framework," said German Ambassador Ina Lepel, as quoted by the KSP press release.

The German Ambassador also appreciated the commitment of the Indonesian government to address the issue of climate change.