President Jokowi Gives Lecture at Standford University

President Jokowi delivers public lecture at Standford University in San Fransisco, US, Wednesday (11/15) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

Collaboration and strategic actions are crucial and necessary for facing the increasingly threatening impacts of climate change.

The statement was made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo when delivering a lecture at Stanford University in San Francisco, the United States, Wednesday (11/15).

Without collaboration and strategic actions, the President underscored, it is impossible for all people to ensure the sustainability of the earth.

On that occasion, President Jokowi explained that climate change and energy transition must get serious attention, particularly now the world is not in a good condition. Therefore, the President said that Indonesia has taken on the role and is committed to addressing these issues.

“There is no need to doubt and our commitment should not be questioned. Indonesia walks the talk, not just talks the talk,” he added.

The Head of State further said that Indonesia has successfully reduced emissions by 91.5 million tons as of today. In addition, Indonesia has also reduced deforestation rate, which has been lowered by 104,000 hectares by 2022.

“Moreover, Indonesia has rehabilitated 77,000 hectares of forest areas, restored 34,000 hectares of mangrove forests in just one year,” he continued.

However, President Jokowi noticed that there are still significant challenges for Indonesia and other developing countries to undergo energy transition, primarily concerning technology transfer and funding.

“This is the challenges that we and other developing countries often face. Thus, Indonesia wants to ensure that the energy transition also produces energy that is affordable for the all people, accessible to all people,” he said.

The President continued that climate funding given to developing countries for carrying out energy transition should be more constructive.

“Until now, climate funding remains business as usual, like commercial banks. It should be more constructive, not in the form of debts that will only increase the burden on undeveloped or developing countries,” he stated.

President Jokowi also highlighted several efforts made by Indonesia related to energy transition including the development of newly- inaugurated Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS) at Cirata Dam in West Java province.

“This is the largest in Southeast Asia, a solar power plant that we have just opened with a capacity of 192 megawatts,” he said.

The President emphasized that similar initiatives will continue to be done to preserve the environment and carry out energy transition.

In addition to solar energy, the Nusantara Capital (IKN) will become a forest-based smart city using green energy that is generated from the sun and water.

“Just so you know, the first thing we built when developing the IKN was a nursery center, a botanical center with a capacity of 15 million tree seedlings per year, which we will plant annually in the IKN and on the island of Kalimantan,” he added.

The Head of State called on the students of Stanford University to visit the IKN and witness the development processes first hand.

“All of you can also conduct a swift research and learn about the sustainability aspect in building a green city,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (AP/MMB)