Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) - State electricity firm PT PLN established new and renewable energy development cooperation with nine Chinese companies during the Indonesia-China Business Forum (ICBF) in Beijing, China.

According to a press release received here on Thursday, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements between PLN and two Chinese large clean energy companies during his working visit to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 15-18, 2023.

In addition to the inking of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) witnessed by President Jokowi, PLN signed seven other MoUs, with a total valuation of US$54 billion, which include cooperation with the Export-Import Bank of China, Sinosure, and the Bank of China.

Moreover, PLN signed MoUs with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, State Development & Investment Corp. Ltd., Huawei Tech Investment, and China Energy International Group.

In his remarks, President Jokowi said his visit to Beijing aims to strengthen bilateral relations between both nations.

Three priority issues were raised in the ICBF, namely exports, investment, and food security.

"We discussed a number of priority issues with China that include increasing Indonesia's exports, investment, and building food security," the president stated.

Meanwhile, PLN has an important role in increasing investment between China and Indonesia in the energy sector and supporting the government's commitment to accelerating energy transition.

PLN also signed an MoU with the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and Trina Solar China in smart grid development.

Smart grid development is considered the backbone of clean electricity in Indonesia.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo, who also accompanied President Jokowi at the Indonesia-China Business Forum, stated that PLN's collaboration with SGCC is expected to boost the development of energy transition in the country.

"Together, we will build a green and smart supergrid transmission line and expand the partnership forward," Prasodjo remarked.

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Translator: Wardyah, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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