"This is an opportunity that must be seized, so that the transformation undergone by state-owned enterprises upholds the principle of clean energy transformation, while (also) accelerating (the transition to a) green economy," he noted in a written statement received here on Wednesday.
Thohir said Indonesia's energy-oriented state-owned enterprises, such as PLN and Pertamina, and mineral and coal industry can respond well and initiate the transformation of clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.
"After all, this is a shared responsibility for the sustainability of our environment," he said.
Thohir stressed that the state-owned enterprises' efforts to transform by conducting various programs and making business model innovations must consider the responsibility to reduce emissions as an opportunity to push for low-carbon economic transformation.
"This is because if state-owned enterprises in the business sector started a decarbonization program early on in their business lines, the next few years would actually bring greater economic benefits. In addition to creating new industrial opportunities and greater employment opportunities, Indonesia's energy prices will become more affordable," he stated in Glasgow, Scotland, on Monday, November 1.
The transformation, with prime focus on transitioning to a green economy, will proffer myriad tangible social and economic benefits to the entire community, such as cleaner air and reduced threats of hydrometeorological disasters due to climate change.
Related news: Indonesia keen to establish cooperation on green economy with UK
Global trust in the positive growth of Indonesia's economic status in future must be handled with responsibility.
The plans of several countries to invest to develop and push for a green economy in Indonesia will be a challenge for state-owned enterprises.
President Jokowi and Prime Minister Boris Johnson reached a mutual agreement during their meeting, with the objective of intensifying cooperation between both nations, particularly in the green economy.
President Jokowi drew attention to green investment and technology as the keys to transitioning to a green economy, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed UK's interest in investing in the form of export credits that could be used for transitioning to a green economy.
Related news: Good potential for ASEAN-Korea partnership in green economy: Jokowi
Translator: Aji Cakti, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
