"We know that all countries need coal energy."Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik has asked foreign investors to invest in the energy sector in Indonesia.
"Indonesia has a lot of energy resources that have not been managed well. Therefore, we ask foreign investors in the energy sector to invest in Indonesia," Jero Wacik stated here on Monday.
In his inaugural address at the 18th "Asia Coaltrans Conference" at Nusa Dua, the energy minister invited foreign investors to invest in the coal mining sector as well as other energy sources.
Explaining the energy resilience policy regarding coal in Indonesia, Jero Wacik pointed out that many countries were in need of coal energy.
The energy minister noted that Indonesia has vast coal resources, which should be developed and used optimally for the interests of the local people.
"We know that all countries need coal energy, which is available in Indonesia. Therefore, it must be used optimally to meet the domestic need," he stressed.
He added that apart from domestic use, coal was also exported to boost the state`s foreign exchange reserves.
"We export 30 million tons of coal per year, earning a foreign exchange of US$20 billion," the minister observed, adding that around 2,200 people will participate in the Asia Coaltrans Conference in Nusa Dua.
The energy minister also encouraged the participants and coal mining businessmen in Indonesia and the Asian region to pay more attention to the communities residing around the mining areas.
"The coal mining businessmen should care for the environment and the people living around the mining sites," he remarked.
He declared that the conference, held in collaboration with the Indonesian Coal Mining Association, will discuss various issues related to coal mining industries and their social impact on the surrounding community.
(Uu.O001/INE//KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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