The Environment Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States' Environmental Protection Agency on Monday aimed at strengthening environmental cooperation between the two countries.

"The MoU is a positive step in our efforts to face the tremendous challenges in protecting our environment," Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta said in a statement.

"The EPA has had experience in dealing with various environmental issues such as with its bordering neighbors as well as in the rehabilitation of mining areas and areas suffering from heavy pollution. We believe that this collaboration will provide us with the knowledge and expertise to strengthen our efforts to minimize the impacts of environmental degradation in this country."

The minister signed the MoU along with US Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel. "The United States is committed to working with Indonesia both to address the environmental challenges the two countries face and as partners in international efforts to protect the environment," Marciel said at the signing on Monday.

Michelle DePass, an assistant administrator at the EPA, will meet with the Environment Ministry in July to finalize the first joint plan. The MoU also establishes a framework to address air pollution in Jakarta, including cost-effective strategies for improving air quality and public health.