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New energy minister to solve obstacles facing 35,000 MW program
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Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Archandra Tahar speaks to journalists at his office in Jakarta on Friday. (kompas.com/Estu Suryowati )
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ewly appointed Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Archandra Tahar has pledged to ensure that the 35,000 megawatt (MW) power plant program set out by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo will reach completion as planned.
He said he would find solutions to conflicts between departments within the ministry and with related ministries that have hampered the ambitious electricity program, as well as addressing potential problems facing investors.
"As the President's aide I will guard the 35,000 MW program. We will find solutions to obstacles with other ministries in a short time," Archandra said in Jakarta on Friday.
The ministry will invite investors and operators in the energy sector to identify the obstacles they face, Archandra said, adding that talks would not only relate to the 35,000 MW projects, but also other projects such as the Masela gas block.
"We will schedule the meetings one by one [to discuss] what the problems are and what can we support. If our authority is not enough to solve the problems, then I will talk with the President to find solutions so the projects run properly," he said.
A nationwide program to add 35,000 MW in electricity generating capacity is one of the priorities of the Jokowi administration, given its importance for spurring economic growth. Many consider that achieving the target by 2019 will be no easy task. (bbn)
