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.
