PT Tata Metal Lestari had been selected for the NCP program because it is Green Industry certified by the Indonesian Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin).

Koeswandi, Vice President of Operations at Tata Metal Lestari, explained that steel, cement and petrochemicals were the top three emitting industries and among the most difficult to decarbonize.

But steel, according to the World Steel Association, is a permanent resource that is 100 percent infinitely recyclable without losing its properties.

Tata Metal Lestari, which is in the national steel industry and specializes in steel coating, has invested in the Cikarang Industrial Area since 2018 to expand its metal and light steel roof tile business, which was founded in 1994.

“We’re fully aware of the need to have a vision, mission, strategy and road map for green industry. This step was taken to support the government's agenda on becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and ready for global carbon trading,” said Stephanus.

On the same occasion, Dr. Adrian Oehmen, associate professor at the University of Queensland’s School of Chemical Engineering, in his capacity as a chaperone, added that the group of students from the university really appreciated the factory visit and the hospitality they had received while they were in Indonesia.

"They [Tata Metal Lestari] have welcomed and explained to us and the students about how this coated steel industry moves. And I think most of the students who attended have a better understanding of how coated steel is made. In this process, they also learned [about] the long series of processes, including how to handle the final product and residue or waste from its activities," explained Dr. Oehmen.

Dr. Bambang Heru Susanto, ST, MT, who heads the Chemical Engineering Department at the UI Faculty of Engineering, said: “Our visit this time is related to the environment, especially related to the transformation in manufacturing to green manufacturing, especially in the steel industry.

“This activity is part of the New Colombo Plan program and incidentally, UI has had a dual degree partnership with the University of Queensland since 2002. This is a form of strengthening collaboration in the academic or research field."

Stephanus added: “Modern civilization cannot survive without core industries, which are also difficult to reduce. Steel, cement, petrochemicals and fertilizers are some of the core industries that have supported world growth. Decarbonization requires constant innovation in fuels, raw materials and production processes. Having ambitious plans and a long-term vision for this industry is a must.

“This is just the beginning,” he continued. “We believe that by cooperating with many stakeholders for a green earth, this will be achieved more quickly, because global value chains have pooled and collaborated.

“Tata Metal Lestari is ready to expand support for the New Colombo Plan with internship opportunities. This is part of Tata Metal Lestari's contribution to building partnerships with groups that will certainly provide sustainable benefits to the communities wherever we work in order to achieve carbon neutrality.”