President Jokowi Discusses Energy Partnership, Transition with ADB President

President Jokowi holds a bilateral meeting with ADB President, Masatsugu Asakawa, on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum which takes place at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Badung Regency, Bali Province, Monday (05/20). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media and Information (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his appreciation for the partnership that has been running for 57 years between Indonesia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), especially in overcoming various crises including post-pandemic economic recovery.

Furthermore, President Jokowi stated that this cooperation needs to be increased, especially in supporting the energy transition in Indonesia, and affirmed that Indonesia remains committed to achieving emission reduction targets and carrying out the energy transition process which also requires the support of partner countries and international institutions such as ADB.

“I appreciate ADB’s support in energy transition projects in Indonesia, including the earlier retirement of coal-fired power plant projects,” said President Jokowi in a bilateral meeting with the President of ADB, Masatsugu Asakawa, on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum High Level Conference, at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Badung Regency, Bali Province, Monday (05/20).

President Jokowi also highlighted ADB’s role in supporting energy transition projects in Indonesia, including the earlier retirement of coal-fired power plant projects, and invited other ADB members to invest in development projects for the new capital city, Nusantara.

Moreover, President Jokowi emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to continuing to support and contribute to replenishing the Asian Development Fund (ADF) 14 which has a positive impact on the Asia Pacific region.

“Indonesia needs to play a bigger role in the ADB leadership structure in the future,” stressed President Jokowi, considering the strategic role that Indonesia has played and will continue to play in this region.

ADB President, Asakawa, responded positively to Indonesia’s proposals and hopes, emphasizing that ADB’s support will continue in joint efforts to face regional challenges, including the energy transition and sustainable infrastructure development.

Also joining President Jokowi at the meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Bahlil Lahadalia. (Bureau of Press, Media and Information (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat)