Luhut Binsar Panjaitan (www.cnnindonesia.com)
STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT. Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan on Friday met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said the two meetings specifically discussed strengthening Indonesia–U.S. cooperation, including the progress of implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
In addition, they also discussed the importance of critical minerals for a clean energy future and Indonesia’s efforts to improve environmental, social, governance and labor standards in the country’s mining sector. Matthew also said that the United States would also increase new infrastructure investment through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investments (PGII).
Both parties also emphasized the importance of continuing sustainable cooperation in the negotiations on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). Indonesia also supports the United States in hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit which will be held in California in November 2023.
According to Yellen’s daily agenda, Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan will meet U.S. Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen. The meeting will cover a wide range of topics, such as energy transition partnerships and comprehensive investment and policy plans. Luhut is currently in the United States to discuss Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s plans for investment in Indonesia.
A number of superpowers, including the United States, have launched a funding program to accelerate a just energy transition. Funds worth IDR300 trillion are available to be disbursed for Indonesia through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) program.
The Indonesian government is hoping for the promised funding as well. U.S. Department of Finance Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development Alexia Latortue said that the United States is preparing a variety of financial instruments for JETP funding, including grants, technical assistance, loans, and investment.
