The governments of Indonesia and the UK committed to integrating green economic development post-Covid-19 pandemic
The governments of Indonesia and the United Kingdom expressed their commitment to integrating environmentally friendly and sustainable green economic development to rebuild the economy caused by Covid-19 pandemic. In a virtual seminar discussing international perspectives in rebuilding the economy towards a low-carbon future in Jakarta on Wednesday (26/8), Minister for National Development Planning / Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa affirmed a number of efforts done to implement the commitment.
He mentioned that Indonesia has taken historical steps by putting into low-carbon initiatives in the national mid-term development plan (RPJMN) for 2020-2024, but his side has to ensure that the policies taken by the government can be harmonized with the green initiative. He also cited a lot of research results which showed that in the current development, new and renewable energy has the potential to create huge employment. The Minister also explained that the momentum of Covid-19 provides an opportunity to boost resilience in the future and also makes explicit plans to create good economic plans.
Meanwhile, Minister of the UK Home Affairs for the Pacific and Environment, Zac Goldsmiths explained that Indonesia and the UK have been working together on climate change and environmental issues for more than a decade. He also said that a low carbon development pathway can produce more sustainable economic growth and higher social and environmental benefits in reducing poverty. Through individual domestic efforts and international cooperation, Indonesia and the UK are committed to rebuilding the economy with greater attention to environmental sustainability post-Covid-19 pandemic.