Soros approves RI proposal to form climate agency

JAKARTA: UN climate adviser George Soros has agreed to a proposal made by Indonesia to establish a local agency that would manage international support for the country’s efforts to tackle climate change.

The agency would be headed by senior government official Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan said after a meeting between Soros and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Office in Jakarta on Monday.

“The agency will manage local and international funds and monitor, report on and verify agreed projects,” Zulkifli said.

In a press conference, Soros said Indonesia was justified in receiving international grants and loans in return for protecting its forests and peat land. — JP