Jakarta, IO – Indonesia and the UK have agreed to extend the partnership in a program called Mentari. In the agreement, the UK will disburse around Rp135 billion to support the clean energy transition while at the same time attracting investment for renewable energy projects.
The agreement was announced by Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Arifin Tasrif at a meeting with the UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart at the launching of the program in Jakarta on Friday (4/8).
“Initially, the Mentari program was scheduled to end in 2024, but now it will be extended until 2027. The UK will also provide an additional £6.5 million or the equivalent of Rp135 billion to maintain and enhance the initiative,” Arifin said, per esdm.go.id.
According to Arifin, the UK is committed to increasing its support to help Indonesia achieve its Net Zero Emission (NZE) target. In addition, Arifin said UK will also actively supports other programs such as the Just Energy Transitions Partnership (JETP) and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
“They have also worked on several low-carbon energy projects and implemented pilot projects in eastern Indonesia,” said Arifin.
Meanwhile, Stuart hopes that the expertise and investment assistance from UK will accelerate the transition from coal to clean energy in Indonesia. In addition, he also believes that Indonesia can become a major player in clean energy industry in Southeast Asia.
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“Being one of the countries with the fastest growing economies in the world and great potential for developing renewable energy, Indonesia can play a major role in the clean energy transition in Southeast Asia,” said Stuart.
The Mentari program has produced two solar power plants (PLTS) in Central Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) for 200 households consisting of a 60 kWp centralized PLTS in Mata Redi village, and a 35 kWp one in Mata Woga village on August 24, 2022. The two villages have been designated as development models. (bp)