VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The government of Indonesia is targeting to have Honorary Consuls across the countries on African continent this year. This was affirmed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi after giving directions to several Indonesian Ambassadors to African countries in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Wednesday (April 11^th). She also said that the Indonesian government considers important representation in all countries in Africa. Therefore, the Minister asked the Ambassadors to be able to submit the names of Honorary Consul candidates for the next six months. The Honorary Consuls, according to Minister Retno, play a major role, not only to enhance the cooperation of friendly countries with Indonesia, but also to protect Indonesian citizens in their respective countries.

“Thus to optimize, we plan at least at the end of this year in the majority or all. But, at least, we have already had an honorary consul at important regions in African countries. With that honorary consul, we at least have eyes and ears in the field. In addition to economic affairs, of course, this honorary consul will be very useful for the protection of Indonesian citizens. Because more recently, many Indonesian citizens have been facing problems in African countries, including our crew. If we have an honorary consul, it will be easier for us to respond immediately if there is a problem. Therefore, I have given the target that in 3-4 or the longest 6 months, of course, we have to find the right persons to become consuls of honor,” said Retno Marsudi.

In addition, in her meeting with Indonesian Ambassadors to African countries, Minister Retno Marsudi also explained that the Indonesian government has assigned special task force to the Indonesian Ambassadors in Africa to focus on improving economic cooperation between Indonesia and African countries. Minister Retno emphasized that it’s important for the Ambassadors to follow-up the results of the meetings of all series of Indonesia-Africa Forum 2018, after they return to the respective country where they are on duty. (VOI/Ndy/Trans by Rezha)

The Indonesian government will initiate more cooperation forums between Indonesia and Africa to discover Indonesian potential in a bid to boost economic cooperation between Indonesian and African countries. This was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi at the closing of the Indonesia-Africa Forum 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali on Wednesday (April 11^th). In addition, according to Minister Retno, Indonesia will step up consolidation with African countries by setting up a task force for Africa. This task force is to map out policies related to infrastructure development in Africa. Minister Retno further stated that Indonesia and Africa also agreed to enhance financial financing cooperation. In this regard, Minister Retno hopes that the scale and reach of the funding sector through National Interest Account can be expanded for African countries.

“First, Indonesia will initiate more forums both at the government level and at the business level to find, match, and share experience on policy and interests in business. Second, it is effective that we want to consolidate our engagement with Africa by establishing a task force on Indonesian Infrastructure to Africa. Or, we call the task force to Africa. This task force will consist of various ministries or agencies as well as private sectors whose task is to map out and implement infrastructure-related policies with Africa. Third, Indonesia and Africa agreed to improve financing,” said Retno Marsudi.

In addition to these three points, Minister Retno Marsudi also mentioned that during the implementation of Indonesia-Africa  Forum 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia has also succeeded in initiating the establishment of trade agreement in the form of Preferential Trade Agreement with a number of African countries. This is aimed to open the door of cooperation between Indonesia and Africa. (VOI/Ndy/Trans by Rezha)

The visit of Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday evening (April 11^th) was welcomed by the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia, Usama Al-Syu'aiby by hosting a dinner at his residence in Jakarta. Vice Chairman of the Middle East Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Oki Muhammad Bawazeer explained that the visit of the Saudi Arabian delegation to Indonesia this time is the second one. Because, the first official delegation visit was that after King Salman visited Indonesia. Oki Muhammad Bawazeer hopes that this is the first step that can be followed-up by other trade delegations in the business sector.

“The first official delegation's visit was that after King Salman visited Indonesia. I think this is a "kick off" or a one step forward that hopefully in the future can be followed-up by trade delegations in various business sectors,” Oki Muhammad Bawazeer said.

Oki Muhammad Bawazeer added that before King Salman's visit to Indonesia last year, the trade value between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia was only about Rp48.3 trillion. But after the visit, the trade value between the two countries increased almost three times to reach 124.2 trillion rupiah. (VOI/Egi/ Trans by Rezha)

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arcandra Tahar has encouraged Norway to invest in Indonesia`s new and renewable energy (EBT) sector.

"We have to work hard to increase the share of renewable energy use at affordable prices, and we have set an ambitious target to provide 23 percent of the energy mix from renewable energy by 2025," Arcandra Tahar stated while opening the Indonesia-Norway Energy Workshop in Jakarta on Thursday.

He noted that the trend of energy use in the world has begun to shift from fossil energy sources to EBT sources. In line with this, the Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, expressed its seriousness in the development of EBT. The ministry demonstrated its commitment by targeting 23 percent EBT in its energy mix for power plants by 2025. To achieve the 23 percent target is not something easy, as it needs strong efforts and assistance from investors, both at home and abroad.

Tahar explained that in order to achieve the 23 percent target, the government has made various efforts, including formulating regulations and tariffs to attract private investors to invest more in renewable energy projects. Tahar also asserted that other parties, including investors both from within the country and abroad, are required to develop progressive renewable energy.

"We ensure that energy development, especially renewable energy, requires foreign investment and cooperation with other countries. It is important for Indonesia and other countries to work together to achieve mutual benefits," the deputy minister noted.

Tahar is encouraging the private sector, including Norwegian investors, to participate in the development of renewable energy in Indonesia, especially in eastern Indonesia, to help the government meet the people`s energy needs.

Director of Multifarious EBT Harris believes that cooperation to develop renewable energy with Norway was the right step forward. Norway has experience in the development of hydropower as energy. Some 98 percent of Norway`s energy requirements are derived from hydroelectric power. Harris further explained that Norway also had the ability to produce EBT-based power generators, such as power plants, wind, water, and solar.

"We invite them to invest their funds in our renewable generation sector, especially those based on hydropower, diesel, wind, and waste," Harris stated.

"If the Norwegians are interested in developing renewable energy in Indonesia, it would be good," Harris added. ( antara )