VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

British Minister of Development, Women and Equality, Anneliese Dodds and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia after signing MOU on critical mineral in Jakarta on Wednesday September 19th 2024. (Photo : VOI/NK) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : British Minister of Development, Women and Equality, Anneliese Dodds and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on critical minerals in Jakarta on Wednesday (17/9).  

The British Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development (FCDO) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (ESDM) signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of critical minerals which was carried out on the sidelines of the 10th Indonesia International Geothermal convention and exhibition held in Jakarta from 18 to 20 September 2024.

After the signing of the MoU, Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, explained that this MoU was a follow-up to the agreement between the two countries that had been agreed previously.

“This is an agreement between the Indonesian and British governments, the substance of which is that we will exchange cooperative technology in the field of critical minerals and also new renewable energy. So actually, this is part of a follow-up to what has been agreed between the two countries so far. The Minister and I have signed and we will carry out the follow-up," Bahlil said. 

On the same occasion, British Minister of Development, Women and Equality, Anneliese Dodds, said that this MoU is a framework for long-term cooperation and collaboration in the field of critical minerals and other related fields between the UK and Indonesia. It is hoped that it can create jobs for the Indonesian people.

“So, this Memorandum of understanding sets a framework for cooperation and collaboration between our countries on critical minerals that covers a whole range of different issues or joint commitment to investment, to create jobs and ensuring there are local benefits for local people from critical minerals. So this is a long term commitment rather than one spesific project or investment,” Minister Dodds. 

The energy transition and net zero agenda will increase demand for critical minerals threefold by 2030. This strategic collaboration will open up opportunities for the UK and Indonesia to contribute to the global energy transition through sustainable development of the critical minerals sector. The UK has committed US$ 1.15 billion in collateral funding to support the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in Indonesia//VOI

The Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) Board visited Indonesia from 9-13 September to strengthen and foster deeper connections between the two countries, (Photo : Australian Embassy) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) Board visited Indonesia from 9-13 September to strengthen and foster deeper connections between the two countries.

“For more than two decades, the Australia-Indonesia Institute has played a vital role fostering friendship and understanding between our two countries. Thanks to the Institute’s projects, Australia Indonesia engagement has deepened across many sectors,” said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams.

Chair of the Australia-Indonesia Institute Board Emeritus Prof Greg Fealy said, “Our visit to Jakarta and Makassar has been a rich experience which has enabled us to engage with a wide range of the Institute’s grantees and cultural and social leaders. We are looking forward to continuing to expand bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between Australia and Indonesia.”

The Australia-Indonesia Institute Board visited Jakarta and Makassar last week, with a range of calls on government, academic, media, arts and cultural figures. In Makassar, the Board visited teachers and students at a local school participating in the Building Relationships through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement (BRIDGE) program, which creates links between Indonesian and Australian schools.

They also met with the Australia-Indonesia Institute’s exchange program alumnus, including Muslim Exchange Program (AIMEP) and Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) which focusing on people-to-people linkages between both countries.

The Australia-Indonesia Institute was established in 1989 by the Australian Government to promote people-to-people and institutional connections between Australia and Indonesia. The Australia-Indonesia Institute supports projects in the arts, music, education, youth, civil society, interfaith, media and sports sectors//VOI

Introducing ‘Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’  to the Business Sector in Bali on Monday September 16th 2024. (Photo : Australian Embassy) - 

VOInews, Bali : Australia’s Consulate-General in Bali has introduced ‘Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’ to the business sector. Australia’s Consul-General in Bali, Jo Stevens, with the President of the Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC) Bali Branch, Ida Bagus Rai Budarsa, hosted a networking event in Bali last week to present this strategy. 

‘Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’ sets out a practical pathway to increase Australia’s two-way trade and investment with the region. “Deepening trade and investment with Southeast Asia, including with Indonesia, is a high priority for the Australian Government. I am therefore pleased to welcome colleagues from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta to introduce us to ‘Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’,” said Consul-General Stevens. 

“They are working with Australian investors and Indonesian businesses and government to identify and facilitate investment opportunities, and help us grow and integrate our economies,”Consul-General Stevens added. 

This event featured remarks by Australia’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Indonesia, Stephen Skulley, who outlined the strategy and the role of the Investment Deal Team in Jakarta.

“This initiative aims to support and capture some of the opportunities that the economic growth of Indonesia is providing,” said Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Skulley.

Bringing together the Australian Government’s commercial, finance, and policy capability, the Investment Deal Team will connect Indonesian projects to Australian investors. It will leverage Export Finance Australia’s activities in the region, including the AUD 2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, to support and catalyse greater private sector investment//VOI