Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – Indonesia will have the largest green industrial area in the world, according to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
The head of state showed off the ambitious plan at the Partnering for Green Growth and Global Goals 2030 (P4G) summit on Monday. Located in North Kalimantan, the industrial estate will provide an impetus for green growth.
"Indonesia is currently developing the world's largest green industrial area in North Kalimantan. It will have a huge potential in renewable energy," Jokowi said in a recorded address.
"Indonesia also has the vision to build a carbon market and will have the world's largest carbon stock."
In addition, Jokowi highlighted Indonesia's openness for investments and technology transfers in the drive to become carbon neutral. He said, "funding and technology transfers are key in green development and carbon neutrality."
At the South Korea-hosted conference, Jokowi also spoke of the Job Creation Law – the government's strategy to tackle investment red tapes. He highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for a synergy between investment and job creation with green development.
"The Job Creation Law illustrates Indonesia's commitment to ensure that economic growth and social progress does not jeopardize the environment," the president said.
On a separate occasion, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan revealed the green industrial area would span 12,500 hectares. It would also run on hydropower with a capacity of 11,000 megawatts.
According to Luhut, the green industrial area also aligns with Indonesia's target to reach net-zero carbon emission by 2060.
"We are hoping its groundbreaking can be held this year," Luhut said early this month, as quoted from local news outlet Antara.