President Jokowi meets World Bank delegation to discuss G20, energy transition

Kamis, 17 Februari 2022 09:51 WIB

President Joko Widodo met with several World Bank executives at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday (February 16, 2022) to discuss a wide range of issues. (ANTARA/HO-Muchlis Jr - Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden)

This is an extraordinary challenge. The World Bank will support and, of course, the Indonesian leadership is important

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo received several World Bank executives at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday to discuss a wide range of issues, including the energy transition mechanism, mangrove rehabilitation, capital transfer, and Myanmar.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, conveyed this information in a written statement issued by the press, media, and information bureau of the Presidential Secretariat the same day.

Pandjaitan accompanied President Widodo at the meeting, which was attended by the World Bank's managing director of operations, Axel Van Trotsenburg; WB vice president for East Asia and the Pacific Region, Manuela V. Ferro; and World Bank country director for Indonesia, Satu Kahkonen.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who was also present at the meeting, said the World Bank has thrown its weight behind the agenda of Indonesia's G20 Presidency.

Indonesia's G20 Presidency, which has received support from the international community, will play an essential role in post-COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery, she added.

"Many countries are still left behind and, of course, they should draw attention. (Hopefully), the theme of Indonesia's (G20 Presidency) 'Recover Together, Recover Stronger' can really come true and the Indonesian leadership, with the support of G20 (member states) and international institutions, can pay attention to the countries that still cannot recover," she remarked.

The support from G20 member states and international institutions can come in the form of equal access to COVID-19 vaccines and economic recovery assistance for low-income countries, she elaborated.

"This is an extraordinary challenge. So, this is one of the issues for the G20 to discuss. The World Bank will support and, of course, the Indonesian leadership is important," she said.

The meeting also discussed how Indonesia can serve as a role model for the realization of the energy transition, is committed to implementing the Paris Agreement and lowering carbon emissions, in accordance with the nationally determined contribution (NDC), she informed.

To realize the green energy ambition, Indonesia needs international support in terms of funding and policy framework, Indrawati said.

During the meeting, the President stressed Indonesia's strong commitment to achieving the goal and said that Indonesia will not only talk about but take action, too, she added.

Widodo also drew attention to the upward trend in global commodity prices that may put global economic recovery on hold, she said.

"Mr. President wishes that global economic recovery will not be disrupted because the increase in the prices of foodstuffs will burden the public. Therefore, there needs to be a global agreement to that effect," she remarked.