Indonesia and New Zealand’s partnership on renewables and energy transition spans over 50 years and has become more important due to the looming threat of climate change, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Kevin Burnett, said.
One instance of this cooperation was when the two countries agreed to construct the Kawah Kamojang power plant in West Java, he noted at a press conference at the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The power plant, which opened in January 1983, was Indonesia's first geo-thermal power plant.
This continued support was realized once again through the provision of NZ$6 million (Rp55.52 billion) in funding over five years under a new partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute, he said.
The activity was announced last year by New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, he added.
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In addition to the energy transition and renewables, New Zealand has also contributed to Indonesia's efforts to fight against the pandemic.
New Zealand donated NZ$12.17 million (Rp112.60 billion) in COVID-19 support to Indonesia and provided COVID-19 vaccine doses through the COVAX facility as a realization of its commitment to the partnership.
"We also commend Indonesia's effort, including in championing a global response, in particular Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi's work as co-chair of the COVAX Advance Market Commitment Engagement Group," Burnett said.
New Zealand and Indonesia are close collaborators in the Indo-Pacific, he added.
"As comprehensive partners and fellow democracies, we have an important role in promoting a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, with ASEAN at its center," he said.
The two countries are committed to a region based on the rule of law, a region open for trade and investment, a region that is inclusive, he remarked.
They are committed to building a region where sovereignty is respected for all countries and which seeks global peace and stability, he added.
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Reporter: Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Suharto
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