The two ministers discussed various aspects of potential cooperation, including mineral and coal, as well as efforts to cut dependence on fossil fuels according to the global agreement to reduce exhaust emissions and the impact of climate change.
"Technology, such as carbon capture, and utilization and storage (CCUS), including its funding mechanism, must be encouraged to have a significant impact on both countries," Hartarto noted in a statement received here, Friday.
During the meeting, he remarked that the transition to low-carbon energy is an important aspect to achieve climate resilience that supports the environment and creates more job opportunities.
Moreover, South Africa has the Just Energy Transition Partnership with France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, he noted.
Hartarto believes that a lot stands to be learnt from this experience as a best practice for Indonesia in finding a pertinent model to deal with climate change issues in the country.
He stated that Indonesia's energy transition efforts to become environmentally friendly were made through various national policies, such as the use of electric-based vehicles by supporting the development of electric vehicle batteries using the country's raw materials, such as nickel.
In addition, Indonesia, through its cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is preparing strategic steps for phasing down the use of coal-based power plants in terms of funding in line with the energy transition mechanism.
Meanwhile, Minister Patel noted that the meeting was also held to explore cooperation in potential fields.
"This meeting aimed to explore opportunities that can be built between the two countries, especially in areas of mutual concern and potential," he stated.
The two countries have experience in managing the mining industry and processing raw materials, such as bauxite, copper, and aluminum.
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Apart from discussing energy and mining cooperation, the discussion also centered toward the potential for cooperation in the halal and automotive industry and its components.
At the meeting, both parties agreed to share experiences and create opportunities for cooperation and to continue to maintain regular communication. Work with the local industry is also carried out in order to create a balanced investment value.
The trade value between Indonesia and South Africa was recorded at US$2.06 billion in 2021, higher than US$1.2 billion recorded in 2020.
During the January-July 2022 period, trade value was recorded at US$2.06 billion, an increase of 46.92 percent as compared to US$1.04 billion recorded during the corresponding period a year earlier.
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Translator: Sella Panduarsa G, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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