VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian government through the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment signed an agreement with the Australian iron ore industry company Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) to develop renewable energy to support the green industry.

The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and the founder of Fortescue Metals Group Andrew Forrest signed the agreement at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Jakarta, Friday.

"The signing of this agreement shows the close and strategic relationship between Indonesia and Australia. I believe our efforts today will strengthen the foundation of partnerships to build a bright future together," Luhut said in his remarks.

Luhut said that through the agreement, there will be a joint task force to facilitate, accelerate and realize FMG investment in the construction of 60 GW hydroelectric power and 25 GW of renewable energy from geothermal power in the land Water.

"This investment, excluding the supporting infrastructure, will cost tens of billions of dollars. This huge investment will have a positive impact on Indonesia," Luhut added, without mentioning details of the investment value.

According to Luhut, Indonesia and Australia have the potential for minerals and renewable energy so they can collaborate and become key players in the green and renewable energy industry in the global arena.

The former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs added that collaboration is an important thing to do in tough times such as the current Covid-19 pandemic.

He believes the agreement promotes sustainable development that combines economic development, social progress, and environmental protection.

"This agreement also strengthens President Joko Widodo's policy of bringing together economic recovery measures as the key ingredient of our fight against the pandemic," he said.

Besides the signing of the agreement deed, the two parties also signed an agreement to reduce the leakage of plastic waste into Indonesian waters.

According to Luhut, Andrew Forest through the Minderoo Foundation has made significant contributions to over 280 initiatives around the world by providing approximately 2 billion Australian dollars, including in major initiatives for the oceans.

"I believe this will further strengthen Indonesia's policy to reduce plastic waste leakage into Indonesian waters," he said.

Meanwhile, Andrew Forrest said that the development of renewable energy is a humanitarian effort to create a sustainable environment.

He said that to deal with plastic waste, there will be coordination of plastic waste processing with several multinational companies and the first prototype will be launched in December.

Meanwhile, power generation and renewable energy projects are expected to support a green industry that enhances the skills of Indonesia's workforce.

"And creating new jobs for the people of Indonesia," he said. (Antaranews)