Reducing Plastic Waste In Indonesia, Luhut Collaborates With Australia

Illustrated. (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government through the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) is increasingly serious about developing renewable energy to support a value-added green industry. This step was realized by the signing of two cooperation agreements with Australia.

The signing was carried out by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, namely a deed of agreement with Fortescue Future Industries Australia regarding the green industry and a letter of agreement on reducing marine plastic waste in Indonesia with the Minderoo Foundation Australia.

Luhut said the signing of this cooperation gave both parties confidence to move forward and implement aspirations for sustainable development that combines economic development, social progress, and environmental protection.

Furthermore, Luhut said, this step strengthened President Joko Widodo's policy to integrate economic recovery measures as the main ingredient in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Luhut, this agreement shows the strategic relationship between the two countries. He believes that the cooperation will go well.

"As two countries with considerable mineral and renewable energy potential, Indonesia and Australia can collaborate and become key players in renewable energy and green industry in the global arena," he said, after signing the cooperation which was broadcast virtually, Friday, September 4.

In addition, Luhut emphasized that the collaboration between Indonesia and Australia has also had a positive impact on the economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, collaboration is important in this challenging time. Because, with the cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, they still have a brighter future.

"Indonesia is committed to developing the green economy sector in order to provide added value and implement investment policies, namely as a tool for economic development, using the best available technology, providing training and technology transfer, and respecting the environment and guaranteeing people's rights for social development," he said.

Luhut said, owner of Fortescue Future Industries, Andrew Forrest will pour tens of billions of dollars in funding this green energy development project. However, he was reluctant to state the exact number.

"Investments in power plants, excluding additional infrastructure, will cost around tens of billions of dollars. This huge investment should have a positive impact on Indonesia," he said.

After this signing, Luhut said, he would form a task force consisting of representatives from the government and Forrest company. This is done to accelerate investment implementation.

"The task force consists of all major stakeholders from both parties who will be asked to carry out the investment implementation as quickly as possible," he said.