VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian government through the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment signed an agreement with an Australian iron ore industry company, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) to develop renewable energy in a bid to support the green industry. The signing was carried out by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Founder of Fortescue Metals Group, Andrew Forrest at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment in Jakarta, Friday (4/9).

In his remarks, Minister Luhut said that the signing of this agreement demonstrates the close and strategic relationship between Indonesia and Australia. He believes that this effort will strengthen the foundation of partnerships to build a better future. He further said that through the agreement, there would be a joint Task Force (task force) to facilitate, accelerate and realize FMG investment in the construction of 60 GigaWatt (GW) of hydroelectric power and 25 GW of renewable energy from geothermal power in Indonesia.

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

In addition to the signing of the agreement, a Letter of Intent -LoI between the two sides was also signed to reduce plastic waste leakage into Indonesian waters. The signing of the LoI was carried out by Deputy for the Coordination of Environment and Forestry Management at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Nani Hendiarti and Andrew Forrest.
According to Minister Luhut, Andrew Forest through the Minderoo Foundation has made significant contributions to more than 280 initiatives worldwide by providing approximately 2 billion Australian dollars, including in major initiatives for the oceans. He believes the signing of the LoI will further strengthen Indonesia's policy to substantially reduce plastic waste leakage into Indonesian waters.

Meanwhile, Andrew Forrest said that renewable energy development is a humanitarian effort to create a sustainable environment. He also pointed out that in an effort to tackle plastic waste, there will be coordination of plastic waste processing with a number of multinational companies and the first prototype will begin to be launched in December. Meanwhile, power generation and renewable energy projects are expected to support a green industry that enhances the skills of Indonesian workforce and creates new jobs for Indonesians.