The Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, hosted a visit from David Fredericks, Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water of Australia, at the Ali Wardhana Building. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy transition. Susiwijono highlighted that in 2023, Australia’s Foreign Direct Investment in Indonesia grew by 4% to USD 545.2 million, showcasing the potential for developing pilot projects for energy transition cooperation, particularly in remote areas under the KINETIK Framework Program. The meeting aimed to deepen understanding of potential collaborations between Australia and Indonesia, especially in the green energy and industrial sectors. Both parties agreed to identify new opportunities for investment and trade in renewable energy sectors, including solar technology, hydrogen, and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), to expedite the achievement of Net Zero Emission (NZE) goals for both countries.
Secretary Fredericks introduced the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) Australia, which can facilitate sending Indonesian experts to Australia for deeper collaboration in sustainable energy transition. Susiwijono also highlighted the increasing trade relations since the implementation of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and invited Australian businesses to invest in Special Economic Zones (KEKs), with 10 out of 21 KEKs focusing on the energy sector. Secretary Fredericks emphasized the significant role of the private sector in energy transition and green economy collaborations. Both nations recognized the need to enhance community interactions, supported by programs like Australia Awards Indonesia, which has a large alumni network contributing to Indonesia's development. Susiwijono concluded by reaffirming that the new Indonesian administration will continue prioritizing current government programs, especially Indonesia's accession to the OECD and the energy transition towards NZE, which was positively received by Australia.
