Luhut Says Tesla Visits Indonesia to Discuss Energy Transition

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan confirmed that Tesla’s team visited Indonesia. The five-day visit of the US electric car manufacturer, he explained, was aimed at exploring the country’s measures in dealing with climate change.

“The team has been working for the last five days in Indonesia to find out how we deal with the climate and also the carbon issue in Indonesia. They are very, very satisfied thus far,” said Luhut in video recording in Washington D.C. on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

He made the statement during the signing event of a memorandum of understanding for low-carbon businesses in the US, a collaboration between Indonesia’s energy firm Pertamina and US oil giant Chevron New Ventures Pte, Ltd.

On the occasion, Luhut also recalled his meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk at Tesla GigaFactory, Austin, Texas, last April. To Elon, Luhut said Indonesia's efforts to accelerate the energy transition are highly important.

The Indonesian government, he continued, targeted to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. The goal, however, could be expedited with technological and financial support from other countries. Moreover, Indonesia is the largest contributor of carbon credits because of its vast forest areas, mangrove forests, and seaweed areas.

“I believe that people will keep talking about clean energy, green energy. So this (low carbon) project is very important for Indonesia,” said Luhut.

Read: President Jokowi, Elon Musk Meeting Scheduled amid U.S. Visit

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA