TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif stated that Indonesia will host the World Hydropower Congress (WHC) 2023 in Bali in the upcoming October.

"This congress is a flagship activity for policymakers inside and outside the hydropower industry to support energy security and achieve net zero emissions globally," he said on the sidelines of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Saturday local time.

As quoted from his official statement, Tasrif said that the congress will generate high-level policy statements, recommendations, and commitments that impact the sustainable growth of hydropower globally.

He explained that WHC discusses efforts to promote renewable energy and the development of future industries through hydropower plants (PLTA), the handling of environmental and social issues, as well as the strengthening of climate resilience to tackle drought and flood.

"The result of this congress will be brought to the next Conference of Parties (COP)," he added.

Hosting the event will not only promote Indonesia's profile name at the international level but also promote the development of sustainable PLTA to investors.

The minister assessed that the congress is also an effort to convey the Indonesian government's commitment to net zero emissions and position Indonesia as a leader in advancing sustainable PLTA for phasing out coal.

"This event is targeted to be attended by heads of state, CEOs, investors, civil society leaders, international financial institutions, and global media from 100 countries," he said.

On the same occasion, Chief Executive Officer of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Eddie Rich revealed that IHA placed Indonesia as a top priority for the host of the congress because the country has shown strong leadership and commitment to a sustainable energy transition

"Including plans to use the vast potential of hydropower and other renewable energy to boost its economic development," he added.

WHC is an event held by IHA every two years. This year, WHC will be held in Nusa Dua, Bali, from October 31 to November 2, 2023, with the theme Powering Sustainable Growth.

Eight countries have hosted the congress so far: Turkey (2007), Iceland (2009), Brazil (2011), Malaysia (2013), China (2015), Ethiopia (2017), France (2019), and Costa Rica (2021).

ANTARA

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