Marves - Jakarta, Indonesian Chief Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut B, Pandjaitan today (Friday/4/9) signed an agreement with Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd (FFI), a subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (Fortescue) to develop the green energy sector in the country.

The agreement marks the first step for further collaboration to develop green energy and accelerate green industry in Indonesia, Mr. Pandjaitan said in his remarks.

“The signing of the Deed of Agreement is being carried out within the framework of a partnership. The joint committee will facilitate, accelerate and implement Fortescue Future Industries’ investment in green industry to build a hydro power plant with a capacity of 60 GW and geothermal plant with a capacity of 25 GW throughout Indonesia, “said Mr. Luhut in his address.

Under the agreement, Fortescue Future Industries has been granted the right to conduct feasibility studies on hydro power and geothermal projects to accelerate greater contribution of renewable energy into the country’s total energy mix to meet the global demand.

The joint committee comprises stakeholders from the two parties and they will carry out their investment under the coordination of Deputy Minister for Maritime and Energy Affairs, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

"We met President Joko Widodo yesterday and he said that we have to move fast. Mr. President also has asked local governments to help speed up the process and licensing. This collaboration signifies that Indonesia is open for collaboration with all countries as long as they are carried out with mutually beneficial principles and bring benefits to the people of Indonesia. Hydropower produces hydrogen, needed by the lithium battery industry,” Luhut added.

Fortescue’s Chairman Dr. Andrew Forrest AO said he hopes to lead projects based on the results of a feasibility study and the agreement.

Dr. Forrest said, “Fortescue Future Industries is underpinned by Fortescue’s world class expertise, operational excellence and proven capability to drive future growth.”

“Fortescue is a values-based business, committed to investing in the long term sustainability of its core business.”

Dr. Forrest added, “We have historically always enriched our organisation by providing training for guaranteed employment to local communities who have then strongly supported the projects we have developed together.

“We expect the new green industries in Indonesia to substantially diversify, broaden and deepen Indonesia’s already skilled workforce.”

At the same event, Minister Luhut also witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between the Government of Indonesia and the Minderoo Foundation to reduce plastic waste pollution along Indonesia’s coastline.

The partnership paves the way for the “Sea The Future” initiative which will ramp up recycling and waste collection activities, along with improvement of infrastructure. “Sea The Future” is also committed to accelerating Indonesia’s transition toward a no-waste circular economy.

Dr Forrest said, "We understand the damage caused by plastic pollution to the environment, particularly to the most vulnerable communities. We know the coronavirus crisis has worsened the condition of society.

“Through Sea the Future Indonesia, the Minderoo Foundation will work with the Government of Indonesia to build a circular plastic economy that delivers job security for tens of thousands of people and environmental security for all.”