Beijing (ANTARA) - The governments of Indonesia and China held discussions on matters ranging from the transfer of technology to energy development at the 6th Indonesia-China Energy (ICEF) Forum in Beijing on July 8-10, 2019.

"Some topics that we discussed covered coal technology for electricity generation, renewable energy in the future, how about it. They are also keen to explore geothermal cooperation," Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ignasius Jonan told ANTARA in Beijing on Tuesday (July 9) night.

At the biennial bilateral forum, the 50-member Indonesian delegation comprised those from the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry, PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), and PT Pertamina to meet their counterparts from China.

PGN partners from China expressed keenness to support PGN's operations in the country and business development abroad.

PGN has earlier partnered with Beijing Gas as one of the companies that deliver gas in Beijing City.

"Currently, we are attempting to revise what will happen in future, as we want the cooperation to continue," PT PGN Managing Director Gigih Prakoso noted.

In the meantime, the Chinese side also engaged in discussions with Pertamina on the potential for cooperation in several areas.

"What had already been discussed yesterday was a pipeline issue. Incidentally, they were in the tender process in Lawe Lawe (East Kalimantan). Hence, the 'pipeline' (in Lawe Lawe) was indeed with regard to the processing," Director of Planning, Investment, and Risk Management at PT Pertamina Heru Setiawan explained.

At the forum, Indonesia highlighted the significance of using "dimethyl ether" (DME) as an alternative fuel.

"With this project, it is expected to substitute 1.8 million tons per year, so our imports are reduced. Hence, we adopt the technology that is mostly in Inner Mongolia, as the largest coal center in China," he stated.

Issues pertaining to biofuel were also discussed at the meeting, particularly during the ministerial meeting.

Geothermal matters were also covered. Though Indonesia did not mention specific data, such as location, it can use the results of China's geothermal research.

"If the costs are lower, we use it domestically as the energy, apart from being available, must also be accessible to the community," Heru explained.

The 5th ICEF was held in Indonesia in 2017.

Translator: M. Irfan Ilmie/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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