"We believe this collaboration will strengthen our efforts to minimize the impact of environmental destruction in this country," Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta during the signing of the MoU here.
Indonesia acknowledged that international cooperation based on strong commitment was a key to the success of reducing global environmental impact, he said.
He said the EPA had much experience in dealing with a wide range of environmental issues related to borders with neighboring countries and rehabilitation of mining areas and heavily-polluted zones.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Indonesia Scott Marciel said Indonesia was the US important partner to strengthen global environmental protection.
"We warmly welcome cooperation with Indonesia to protect the environment and promote health quality. The US and Indonesia will share experience and knowledge," Marciel said.
The MoU covers prevention and management of greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, waste, environmental degradation, environmental education and campaign in the form of technological transfer and information exchange including seminar, training, study visit, joint publication and joint projects.
The cooperation with the EPA also covers the Jakarta air quality management program dubbed "Breath Easy, Jakarta", a partnership program between the EPA and the Jakarta city administration to improve air quality in the capital.
Head of the Jakarta Environmental Management Board (BPLHD) Peni Susanti said air pollution in the capital this year fell to 58 mgr per m3 from last year`s 68 mgr per m3.
"CO2 fell 38 percent, CO 68 percent and 80 percent. The 58 mgr is far below the quality standard of 150 mgr per m3. This is the result of such programs as car-free day, and emission test," she said. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
