Indonesia and UAE Strengthen Environmental Partnership

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are exploring opportunities to expand their bilateral environmental partnership.

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Diaz Hendropriyono, met with the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazroui, in Jakarta on Friday. UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, also attended the meeting.

During the discussion, Hendropriyono stressed the importance of investment in environmental management infrastructure and the adoption of advanced technology for environmental protection in Indonesia. He highlighted the role of international investment and cutting-edge technology in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental conservation efforts.

“We welcome this cooperation initiative as a significant step toward improving Indonesia’s environmental quality. Investment in waste management, climate change mitigation, and environmental education is key to achieving greater sustainability,” he stated.

Hendropriyono noted that collaboration with the UAE presents significant opportunities for Indonesia to accelerate the development of technology-based environmental projects.

Indonesia and the UAE already have a bilateral agreement in the environmental sector, signed in Bali on November 14, 2022. The partnership focuses on three main areas: integrated and innovative waste management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and enhancing communication, information sharing, and environmental education.

During Friday’s meeting, Hendropriyono invited the UAE government and business leaders to collaborate on waste management and carbon credit initiatives. He outlined key priorities, including ensuring businesses comply with environmental protection regulations and improving long-term environmental performance.

Meanwhile, Minister Mazroui expressed the UAE’s support for Indonesia’s sustainability projects, including initiatives to convert waste into energy. He recommended that Indonesia develop a detailed project management scheme, covering investment costs and potential returns for investors. Such a scheme, he noted, would facilitate Indonesia in attracting investment from the UAE and other countries. Additionally, Mazroui proposed that Indonesia promote environmental financing through structured corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

This strengthened partnership between Indonesia and the UAE is expected to drive innovative solutions for sustainable environmental development and foster greater international cooperation in ecological conservation efforts.