Indonesia Inaugurated as International Energy Agency Member

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said reported results of Energy Ministers Meeting held on November 17-18, 2015 to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. Sudirman said that Indonesia had officially become an associate member of the International Energy Agency (IEA) based in Paris, France.

"Indonesia was inaugurated as an associate member yesterday. So, the IEA actually consists of developed countries, and then we are included as an associate member along with China, Mexico and Chile," Sudirman said at the Presidential Palace Complex on Friday, November 20, 2015.

Sudirman explained that Indonesia would have the privilege of joining a community with a strong position in the sector of fossil and new energies. Moreover, Sudirman added, many IEA members were relying on new and renewable energies and having better technologies.

"We're aiming at building a strong relationship with them, so that we can be exposed to their technology and knowledge," Sudirman added.

Earlier in February, Indonesia held the Bali Clean Energy Forum as an initiative to enter a new era of renewable energy.

Sudirman revealed that Indonesia had an opportunity to boost investment since the country has a huge potential for renewable energy. Sudirman said that Thailand was in the process of applying to be an IEA member. Indonesia, Sudirman added, would welcome Thailand to join the IEA.

ALI HIDAYAT