Indonesia, France strengthen cooperation to promote energy transition
Since 2007, the Indonesian and French governments have been involved in multiple collaborative projects focused on various strategic sectors, such as energy transition, eco-friendly transportation, the blue economy, natural resources management, and green finance.
A meeting between the Indonesian National Development Planning Ministry and the French Development Agency in Jakarta on April 24. (Photo: ANTARA)
Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Na✱tional Develo🌜pment Planning (Bappenas) has held a meeting with the French Development Agency (AFD) to discuss ways to advance strategic cooperation on sustainable development between the two countries.
Bappenas' Deputy for Development Financing and Investment Putut Hari Satyaka stated that April 28's meeting covered detailed and constructive solutions to strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasised that this was a good time for both sides to deliberate and reaffirm their shared commitments to promoting mutually beneficial strategic cooperation in pursuit of sustainable development goals.
Satyaka highlighted that since 2007, the Indonesian and French governments have been involved in multiple collaborative projects focused on various strategic sectors, such as energy transition, eco-friendly transportation, the blue economy, natural resources management, and green finance.
He also underscored the Indonesian government's enduring commitment to progress, as reflected in the issuance of the 2025-20245 Long-Term National Development Plan (RPJPN) and the 2025-2029 Medium-Term National Development Plan (RPJMN).
The official said that Indonesia recognises the importance of partnering with foreign parties to execute plans directed towards the realisation of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
In this regard, he said Indonesia views France as a reliable partner in projects concerning climate change mitigation and energy transition.
Since 2007, the AFD has been supporting over 60 development projects in Indonesia. Moreover, over the past five years, around 73% of funds mobilised by the AFD have been dedicated to mitigating climate change and promoting a shift to sustainable energy, he stated.
He also expressed hope that the bilateral meeting would foster even stronger synergy between Indonesia and France in advancing sustainable development agendas./.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has urged regional governments nationwide to move actively in implementing the smoke-free area policy to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.
The minister said that the report has prompted the Ministry of MSMEs to move toward the formation of a task force for the protection and empowerment of MSMEs in Indonesia, adding that the planned task force would be empowered to take action against those involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods.
The fences deliver a low-voltage electric current of 10 to 20 volts, which is designed to deter animals without causing fatalities, effectively preventing them from approaching the wires.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
