JAKARTA - Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said energy cooperation was one of the main focuses of the Indonesia-Singapore relationship. The two countries are now paving the way for cross-border electricity trading projects.
The statement was made by Wong during a joint statement with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday, July 6.
Wong said developments in the Middle East once again showed the importance of energy resilience and diversification of energy sources. In a changing global situation, energy supply cannot rely on just one source.
"Recent developments in the Middle East remind us again of the importance of energy resilience and diversification of energy sources," said Wong.
According to Wong, Indonesia has great potential in renewable energy. Singapore wants to partner with Indonesia to optimize this potential.
He said that one of the collaborations being built was a solar energy project in Morowali, Central Sulawesi. Wong said the project was one of the largest solar energy projects in Indonesia.
"This project will provide a clean electricity supply to support industrial activities in the area," said Wong.
During the meeting, the two countries also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Danantara and Keppel Electric, Sembcorp Industries, and Singapore Energy Interconnections.
Wong said the memorandum of understanding was a roadmap for negotiations and discussions between the parties. The cooperation also paved the way for cross-border electricity trading projects between Indonesia and Singapore.
"This understanding will be a clear roadmap for the negotiation and discussion process between the parties, as well as paving the way for cross-border electricity trade projects between the two countries," said Wong.
For Indonesia, this cooperation is important because renewable energy potential is beginning to be directed to real projects. If it goes well, the project can connect clean electricity supply from Indonesia with Singapore's energy needs.
Wong believes the project will benefit both countries. He also said cross-border electricity cooperation could be the foundation for the ASEAN Power Grid.
ASEAN Power Grid is an idea of a regional electricity network that allows ASEAN countries to be interconnected and supply electricity to each other. In this context, cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore can be part of a wider regional energy network.
"This project will also be an important foundation for the realization of a wider ASEAN Power Grid," said Wong.
According to Wong, energy cooperation is part of efforts to strengthen regional resilience. He assessed that Indonesia and Singapore could create greater opportunities if they moved together.
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