The meeting took place ahead of the fourth meeting of the UN High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 development agenda.Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono discussed the Reduction of Emissions from Forest Degradation and Deforestation (REDD+) programs with billionaire and philanthropist George Soros here on Tuesday.
"The talks were more about the continuation of our cooperation with Norway, the REDD+ and moratorium," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa said after accompanying the president in the meeting.
The meeting took place ahead of the fourth meeting of the UN High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 development agenda.
The meeting would be co-chaired by President Yudhoyono along with Liberia`s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, while British Prime Minister David Cameron, another co-chair, would be absent at the meeting.
Prime Minister David Cameron however would deliver his speech to the meeting through a video conference.
In the meeting with President Yudhoyono that lasted for around 30 minutes Soros wore a long-sleeved green traditional batik shirt.
"He has given good ideas and appreciation to Indonesia with regard to the REDD+ and on the roles of provinces," Hatta said.
He said Soros also agreed that exploitation moratorium of peat lands and primary forests must remain to be given attention.
"Right now it is Central Kalimantan. That is our province model," he said.
Hatta said REDD+ is good to hold the rate of deforestation and it also provides livelihood for local people.
"That is the strategic part. The peat land must be protected because its destruction could cause serious environmental damages," he said.
This was not the first time that President Yudhoyono met with Soros as the adviser of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for climate change affairs.
President Yudhoyono had earlier met with Soros in Tampak Siring, Bali, and New York.
Besides meeting with Soros, President Yudhoyono on Tuesday also received US economist Jeffrey Sachs and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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