Jokowi Asks the Netherlands to be Involved in Developing Low-carbon Technology in Indonesia

President Jokowi (center) met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (right) on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India, on Saturday (9/9/2023). (ANTARA/BPMI Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) asked the Netherlands to support the development of low-carbon technology in Indonesia.

Jokowi said this during a bilateral meeting with Dutch Prime Minister (PM) Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, on Saturday, September 9.

Jokowi also urged the Netherlands to push for the abolition of the European Union Anti-Deforestation Law (EUDR).

"I hope that the Netherlands can support the development of low-carbon technology and the conversion of Steam-electric Power Station (PLTU) to renewable energy as a follow-up to JETP (Just Energy Transition Partnership) cooperation and encourage the abolition of EUDR so as not to discriminate against Indonesia's main commodities," said Jokowi in a written statement from the Press, Media, Bureau. and Information from the Presidential Secretariat, Sunday, September 10, gathered by Antara.

Apart from that, Jokowi also welcomed Dutch investment to build a Center of Excellence in the city of Surakarta, as well as plans to hold a high-level conference in the field of new, renewable energy and climate.

Furthermore, President Jokowi asked PM Rutte for support in Indonesia's registration process as a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Jokowi also said that currently Indonesia has carried out a number of economic reforms that are in line with OECD requirements.

"Indonesia has submitted an application for OECD membership and has carried out various economic reforms in line with OECD requirements," said Jokowi.

In the regional context, President Jokowi said that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had agreed that the Netherlands would become ASEAN's development partner, which was expected to further enhance ASEAN's cooperation with the Netherlands.

"Even though the process was not easy, (the partnership) was finally agreed upon. I hope this will further advance ASEAN cooperation with the Netherlands," he concluded.