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Indonesian leadership in challenging times
Action on climate change is an international environmental imperative but it is also an economic opportunity.
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Australia’s minister for the environment and water Tanya Plibersek (left) and Australia’s minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen (right) flank Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar on the sidelines of the Group of 20 Joint Environment and Climate Ministers’ Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali on Aug. 31, 2022. (Courtesy of /Indonesian Environment and Forestry Ministry).
Usage: 0 (Courtesy of /Indonesian Environment and Forestry Ministry)
It is often said that a crisis delivers opportunity.
The world is currently dealing with many complex challenges and Indonesia is showing great leadership through its presidency of the Group of 20 this year – and ASEAN next year.
I am of the firm view that opportunities should not be wasted, it is clear our friends and neighbors in Indonesia feel the same.
Indonesia has always held a special place for me and I am thrilled that it is my first overseas destination since I became Australia’s minister for climate change and energy.
This week I am in Bali to attend two critical G20 ministerial meetings.
These meetings represent significant opportunities for Indonesia to further showcase its leadership in the region and among major economies.
I will be attending the G20 Joint Environment and Climate Ministers’ Meeting with my colleague, Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek, and the G20 Energy Transition Ministerial Meeting.
These two meetings will address our interconnected global crises and Indonesia is showing the way forward.
Indonesia has already made a significant call to elevate sustainable energy transition as one of the three overall priorities for its presidency of the G20.
I could not agree more and Indonesia has the full support of Australia on this initiative.
Indonesia has also put a strong focus on the critical role of energy security and energy reliability.
Australia and Indonesia are working hand in hand toward a clean energy future that still delivers accessible, affordable power to households and businesses.
The potential impact of climate change cannot be underestimated, especially in this region.
As the world’s largest archipelago, climate change in Indonesia is set to increase the risk of storm surges and unleash extreme heatwaves.
Indonesia’s large coastal populations face amplified risk from devastating floods as does China, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh – and we are seeing this now play out in Pakistan.
This decade is crucial for reducing our emissions to hold the world as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming.
Action on climate change is an international environmental imperative but it is also an economic opportunity.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new A$200 million (US$137.8 million) Climate and Infrastructure Partnership between Australia and Indonesia during his visit to Jakarta in June.
This is a clear demonstration of how the Australian government wants to partner with Indonesia to combat climate change and build resilient communities.
In July in Australia, I met with my good friend Arifin Tasrif, Indonesia’s energy and mineral resources minister, at the Sydney Energy Forum.
The focus of this forum was on low emissions technology and boosting the worldwide take-up of renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro.
I’m pleased to be able to continue the conversation with Minister Tasrif on Thursday as part of the inaugural Ministerial Energy Dialogue between our two nations.
At this dialogue we will share information and expertise on key issues such as curbing rising energy prices through harnessing renewable energy and boosting energy efficiency.
It is this sort of collaboration that can point the way forward.
I am sure we will affirm our commitment to continue to work together in international forums such as the G20, ASEAN and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
This is an important week and my Australian colleagues and I are proud to be here in Indonesia supporting your regional leadership.
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The writer is Australia’s minister for climate change and energy.
