Indonesia-US Agree to Collaborate in Handling Deforestation

San Francisco – The Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan and the US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez agreed to collaborate in handling deforestation.

This was conveyed by Zulkifli in a bilateral meeting with Fernandez on the sidelines of the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities in San Francisco, United States, on Thursday.

Minister Hasan proposed cooperation in developing battery sources for the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem, because Indonesia only has nickel so it would be better if combined with other materials, such as lithium.

"Indonesia does not have lithium so it will better when combined with nickel," Minister Hasan said through a written statement in Jakarta, on Thursday.

Regarding the cooperation, Fernandez highlighted the issue of deforestation related to nickel mining. He said the United States would work with the community on environmental standards in accordance with state regulations to address deforestation issues.

The Minister also agreed to follow up on all agreements with the United States. Furthermore, the forum also discussed increasing the status of the partnership with RI from Strategic Partner to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Indonesia also requested US support regarding Indonesia's membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Furthermore, Indonesia requested US support to support Indonesia in the sustainable energy transition and the inclusion of important minerals in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) or stand-alone. 

Indonesia also requested support regarding the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The United States is said to have set up Mineral Security Partnerships with 13 countries and the European Union and supported four projects around the world.

Therefore, it gave two proposals, namely providing technical assistance for environmental and other aspects and helping to promote the private sector to invest in Indonesia.