Indonesia gets Rp514 billion green economy grant from UK

Jakarta, October 3 (ANTARA) - Indonesia has received a grant of Rp514 billion (27.2 million poundsterling) from the United Kingdom for executing the second phase of the Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI) toward green economy adoption.

The National Development Planning (PPN) Ministry received the grant after signing a technical agreement with the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO) in Jakarta on Monday.

"We need to realize economic transformation through the adoption of a green economy by placing low carbon and climate change resistant development efforts as the foundation of our development plans," PPN Minister Suharso Monoarfa noted in a written statement.

Minister Monoarfa expressed the hope that the bilateral collaboration would amplify Indonesia's commitment to promoting and adopting a green economy, in accordance with one of the agendas outlined in the 2025–2045 National Long-term Development Plan (RPJPN).

The collaboration is also aimed at paving the way for the realization of the net-zero emissions target by 2060 or sooner, he pointed out.

"Indonesia is facing various challenges, including climate change, deteriorating air quality, and loss of biodiversity. These crises are intertwined in our ecosystem and can hinder our efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2025–2045 RPJPN targets," he added.

Monoarfa also expressed optimism that the LCDI grant would be useful to realize sustainable economic growth in Indonesia.

He then extended his appreciation to the British government for its continuous support to the LCDI program.

Meanwhile, British Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, noted that the rapid and significant development of Indonesia's economy and innovation has provided Indonesia and the UK with more cooperation opportunities.

Both countries could continue exploring cooperation opportunities, including in the field of science and technology, she said.

"The Low Carbon Development Initiative will help Indonesia sustain its economic growth and ensure that the growth is resistant to the impacts of climate change while providing benefits to the people of Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and the entire Indo-Pacific," Trevelyan added.