Photo document of Indonesia geothermal operating by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) in Kamojang, Bandung, West Java. (ANTARA/Ujang Zaelani) |
Jakarta
(ANTARA News) - Japan is seeking to increase its cooperation with Indonesia in
the field of geothermal energy development as part of efforts to find energy
sources to meet its needs.
"Japan
has expressed its commitment to helping in cooperation in the field of
geothermal energy development here," vice presidential spokesman Yopie
Hidayat told newsmen here on Friday.
He made the
statement after Vice President Boediono received the governor of Japan Bank for
International Cooperation (JBIC), Hiroshi Okuda, and Japanese ambassador
Yoshinori Katori.
He said the
two countries could cooperate to develop geothermal and hydro-energy sources,
noting the similarities in natural conditions in the two countries.
"Japan
has used geothermal and hydro-energy sources to generate electricity. Japan
wishes to be involved in the development of the energy resources in
Indonesia," he said.
He said
Vice President Boediono welcomed the JBIC`s request, saying the Indonesian
government is prioritizing environmental-friendly power plant development.
Out of the
country`s second phase of the 10,000 MW development project, 4,000 MW would
come from geothermal sources. "It would be very good if JBIC would
participate and support it," he said, quoting the vice president.
Besides
power plant development, the vice president also explained about the basic
development projects such as infrastructure, energy and non-infrastructure
projects which are still widely needed in the country.
JBIC, Yopie
said, has participated in the development of a coal-fired power plant in
Central Java.
"The
project is the first funded by JBIC outside Japan. Although it uses coal as its
energy source, its use is very efficient, so that the plant remains
environmental-friendly," he said.
During the
meeting, which lasted for about 30 minutes, Okuda has also spoken of the law on
minerals and coal mining that imposes tax on exports of raw materials.
"He
understands that the law is aimed at developing coal and other mineral
processing industries in the country. We support and are ready to be involved
in the development of smelters in Indonesia," Yopie said.
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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