His statement was made during a business forum organized by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry-USA Committee (KADIN's KIKAS) at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York on Wednesday (Sept 25).
"Indonesia has an important role in saving the earth and the future of life, so Indonesia should not be blamed and discriminated against as a country that does not pay attention to the environment during its development," Kalla said in a statement on Thursday.
With a potential natural wealth of 120 million hectares of tropical forests, mangrove forests and peatlands, Indonesia has a strategic position as a country that leads the way in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Also in New York, Vice President Kalla witnessed the signing of the collaboration between Indonesian and US businessmen, the SMPP Consortium with PT Ekuator Wana Lestari and PT Aceh Nusa Indrapuri.
The cooperation between private entrepreneurs is being carried out to meet the target of Indonesia's national determined contribution in reducing carbon emissions. Synergy between the private sector and the government is an important element in supporting the global warming control program.
Fast action by the private sector can be a counterbalance to the bureaucratic and regulatory systems on the part of the government in charge of the restoration and conservation of forests, mangroves and peat.
Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Mahendra Siregar said he expects the Indonesian private sector to work closely with international carbon verification agencies in providing credible and verified data, which is internationally recognized.
With the signing, the Indonesian private sector has taken the initiative to implement a peat and mangrove forest restoration program to contribute to the agreement of world leaders in reducing global warming.
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(INE)
Translator: Fransiska Ninditya/Yashinta Di
Editor: Suharto
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