Britain Extends Carbon Low Energy Partnership With Indonesia

JAKARTA - British Minister of Energy and Net Zero Security Graham Stuart announced the extension of the partnership towards the Indonesian Low Carbon Energy Transition (MENTARI) between Indonesia and the UK.

"I am pleased to announce the extension of the Low Carbon Energy Partnership MentarI UK-Indonesia. This program is working with our partners in Indonesia to accelerate investment in renewable energy to help Indonesia's transition to a green economy," Graham said in a press release from the British Embassy as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, August 3.

The flagship support program will use funds of 6.5 million (approximately IDR 135 billion) from the UK and technical assistance to attract investment for renewable project energy.

The funds will be used to support Indonesia's ambitious efforts to accelerate the transition to clean energy which fully utilizes the potential energy of the sun, wind, sea, and geothermal in Indonesia.

It was stated that Graham visited Indonesia on August 3-7, 2023 to explore further opportunities for UK investment, trade and mutual sharing expertise to support climate action in accordance with the Roadmap of the Indonesian-England Partnership.

He will meet with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif to welcome Indonesia's positive steps towards the future of net zero and discuss the potential for Indonesia's Fair Energy Transition Partnership.

Graham said Indonesia has great potential to develop renewable energy and could play a major role in the clean energy transition in Southeast Asia.

"With the help of Britain's expertise and investment, Indonesia is accelerating the transition from coal to clean electricity, as well as working hard to achieve net zero by 2060 or sooner," said Graham.

During his visit to Indonesia, Graham will also meet important figures in the fields of business and finance, such as the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), as well as the Gresgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ).

In addition, he will also visit Lombok to see how the MENTARI program facilitates the improvement of the function of existing state-owned dams into microhydro power plants.

At the same time, British Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Matthew Downing said Minister Graham Stuart's visit reaffirmed Britain's commitment to advancing partnerships with Indonesia in clean energy and low-carbon transitions.

"Britain is proud to be part of Indonesia's renewable energy transition journey, including through MENTARI's cooperation, and we are very pleased to announce a 6.5 million (around Rp135 billion) program extension for another two years," Matthew said.

The UK-Indonesian Low Carbon Low Energy Partnership is a leading UK program that supports the low-carbon energy transition in Indonesia and has been operating since January 2020.