"In the company of Japan, Indonesia has become more confident in reaching the target of gas emission reduction," he said.Tokyo (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hoped Indonesia could develop cooperation with Japan that would bring benefit in the fields of environment and energy.
"The strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Japan has to contribute to the settlement of environment problems and energy shortage," he said in his lecture at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) here on Friday.
He said Indonesia is a mineral resource rich country and in view of that it has to develop environment-friendly technology in order to be able to become a key player in dealing with environment issues.
Indonesia has always been consistent with the results of G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh and has set a target of reducing gas emissions 26 percent.
President Yudhoyono said Japan has been able to manage its mineral resources without reducing its industrial products` competitive power while at the same time prioritizing environment-friendly economic concept by developing renewed energy sources.
"In the company of Japan, Indonesia has become more confident in reaching the target of gas emission reduction," he said.
President Yudhoyono on the occasion also emphasized the importance of increasing innovations in the energy sector. The two countries need to strive to reduce the use of fossil fuels and replace them in stages with renewable energy resources such as biofuels, geothermal energy, solar and wind energy sources.
On cooperation in natural disaster mitigation President Yudhoyono said the two countries have similarities in geographical conditions marked by volcanic chain. This makes the two countries often suffering from natural disasters such as mountain eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis.
The lecture which was one of the activities of President Yudhoyono during his state visit here was attended by around 300 invitees including politicians, academics, businessmen and community members.
Other activities include meting with children affected by recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
President Yudhoyono is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Naoto Kan and attend other meetings.
President Yudhoyono and entourage are also scheduled to visit one of the regions worst hit by the earthquake and tsunami last March.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
