Deputy chairperson of the G20 Energy Transition Working Group, Prahoro Nurtjahyo, said that Indonesia, as a member of the G20 and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the largest archipelagic country in the world, will use the current opportunity to discuss the issue of clean energy and energy transition for archipelagic countries.
"Special attention was also brought to underdeveloped countries, developing countries, and small islands. Thus, the G20 Presidency of Indonesia, in collaboration with United Nations ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), will raise (these) issues throughout the presidency," he said during a discussion accessed from here on Wednesday.
Archipelagic countries are the first to suffer losses due to climate change, Nurtjahyo said. Among the issues experienced by the countries are land subsidence and seawater intrusion, besides other ecological or environmental problems.
The discussion during Indonesia's G20 Presidency would highlight issues such as the unaffordability of reliable energy sources and other sustainable energy-related issues pertaining to remoteness and lack of connectivity.
"Nowadays, energy is a perpetual need for improving social and development aspects, so we must try to pursue more innovative policies and strategies," Nurtjahyo said.
The dependence on diesel power plants in archipelagic countries has led to citizens paying high power costs.
Therefore, solutions in the form of policies that stipulate innovative technologies, renewable energy, and energy storage, among others, are vital. However, they require large investments, thorough social acceptance, and strong political commitment.
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"The G20 summit in the middle of this year will be followed by the Summit of Island and Archipelago Countries. This year's Presidency will be a monumental time to raise the importance of sustainable access and energy transition in archipelagic countries," Nurtjahyo added.
Meanwhile, deputy head of the Energy and Environment Office of the Italian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, Nicola Bazzani, commended Indonesia's move to discuss energy security and access in archipelagic countries, while also ensuring that energy transition can boost economic value and address other financial challenges at the G20.
Collaboration between the government and the private sector could serve as one solution for promoting energy accessibility and equity because there are more than 800 islands that require solutions related to electric power and energy security.
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Translator: Sugiharto P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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