15 April 2021 | Tri Hita Karana High-Level Climate Dialogue “Indonesia’s Clean Energy Transition and Climate Ambition for Net Zero Emissions”

The Tri Hita Karana (THK) high-level Climate Dialogue on “Indonesia’s Clean Energy Transition and Climate Action for Net Zero Emissions” was held virtually on 15 April 2021 at 7.30pm to 9.30pm Jakartaand has brought together more than 270 participants of senior policy-makers, think-tanks, project developers, multilateral agencies and investors to discuss achieving Indonesia’s clean and renewable energy potential.

It is the first in a series of THK Natural Capital Carbon Communities (NCCC) dialogues held in preparation for President Biden’s Leaders’ Climate Summit on April 22^nd -23rd, the road to COP26 in Glasgow November 2021 and the Bali G20 Leaders Summit 2022.  The Tri Hita Karana Forum Climate consultative dialogue program is advised by the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs.

Tri Hita Karana Forum Climate consultative dialogue addressed Indonesia’s ambition on clean and renewable energy, and had two parallel breakout groups with Indo-US blended finance and energy taskforces, focusing respectively on 1) Technology Transfer and Investment; and 2) Blended Finance and Policy to discuss opportunities and policy levers needed to scale the transition toward green energy economy.

The event was graced by THK Forum Co-Host, H.E. Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs of Republic of Indonesia, and Mr. Larry McDonald, Assistant Secretary, US Treasury Department providing the Opening Remarks, followed by Keynote Speaker Amory Lovins, Cofounder and Chairman Emeritus, Rocky Mountain Institute.

H.E. Luhut B. Pandjaitan said at the opening remarks “Today we have to address carbon and clean energy. Now there is a need to invite private sector to invest technology and funds renewable energy and transition. Our cross ministerial task force are preparing the roadmap on NDC to the president.  Indonesia is committed to reduce GHG emission by 29% using our domestic resources and up to 41% with international assistance, including finance, technology transfers, and capacity building against business-as-usual scenario in 2030.”

Mr. Larry McDonald said “The US welcome the opportunity to learn more about Indonesia’s efforts to conserve and protect its vast forests, which represent part of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the global effort to defeat climate change”

Amory Lovins shared on “Disruptive Energy Futures for Indonesia Development” and gave some good examples of energy efficiency designs and technology which Indonesia could adopt for her renewable and efficiency investments.

The Plenary Session chaired by Mahendra Siregar, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, RI featured speakers Edwin Syahruzad, President Director PT SMI; Darmawan Prasodjo, Vice President Director, PLN ; and Tri Mumpuni Founder and Executive Director, IBEKA. The high level event closed with a video message from H.E. Arifin Tasrif. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, and with closing remarks by  Heather Variava, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, US Embassy Indonesia.

Heather Variava said “As today’s event shows, it’s clear Indonesia is a vital partner and fellow leader in the international climate community toward reaching these critical climate action outcomes attracting finance and investment requires political will and strong leadership to undertake the reforms that facilitate investment. Given the leadership that Indonesia has shown , we are optimistic about the future and want to play a role and helping to invite greater private sector participation and investment.”

The parallel breakout discussion on “Technology Transfer and Investment” was chaired by Prof Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, President THK Center for Future Knowledge/ President of Indonesian Academy Sciences with Dadan Kusdiana, Indo-US Taskforce Lead for “Renewable Energy and Energy Transition for People’s Well-Being” / Director General, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, MEMR as Government Patron; whilst the breakout on “Blended Finance and Policy” was chaired by Katherine Stodulka, Director Global Blended Finance Taskforce/SYSTEMIQ and Luky Alfirman, Indo-US Taskforce Lead for “Sustainable and Blended Finance for our Common Future” / Director General, Budget Financing and Risk Management, MoF as the Government Patron.