Several European countries have expressed their readiness to invest in renewable energy, specifically solar power, in East Kalimantan Province. Acting Governor Akmal Malik announced this intention during a meeting with various ambassadors at the invitation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday. "The energy to be developed is solar power. This initiative has great potential in Kutai Kartanegara, Samarinda, Paser, and Kutai Barat," stated Malik. The meeting was facilitated by UNDP Indonesia Representative Norimasa Shimomura and attended by several ambassadors, including New Zealand's Kevin Burnett, Norway's Rut Kruger Giverin, Germany's Ina Lepel, Finland's Pekka Kaihilahti, Sweden's Daniel Blockert, Denmark's Sten Frimodt Nielsen, Italy's Benedetto Latteri, Ireland's Padraig Francis, and Switzerland's Olivier Zehnder.
Malik emphasized the positive implications of these countries' interest in investing in renewable energy development in East Kalimantan. "This interest is crucial, as fossil fuels still dominate energy consumption in the region," he noted. East Kalimantan is committed to transitioning from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy sources. Some mining companies, such as PT Kideco Jaya Agung in Paser, are gradually optimizing renewable energy usage in their operations. Furthermore, Malik hopes to encourage investors from these countries to contribute to the development of the new national capital (IKN) by urging local business development and investment facilitation. "I urge my colleagues at DPMPTSP to be proactive; we must welcome countries that prioritize renewable energy, not just rely on China," he added. The discussion also highlighted the potential for these investments to support East Kalimantan as a key area for IKN, given the province's adequate infrastructure and its strategic economic positioning.
