Indonesia and Cambodia Open Discussion on Exploring Renewable Energy Strategy

Thepresidentpost.id - Phnom Penh, Cambodia - The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh held a seminar with the theme "Utilization of New and Renewable Energy to Increase the Productivity of Rural Communities in Indonesia and Cambodia" on Thursday (16/11). The seminar is intended as a forum for sharing experiences in the development of clean energy, the seminar is expected to open a room for discussion to explore the potential for concrete cooperation in related fields.

Opening the seminar, Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto underlined the Government's target for 23% of energy sources to come from renewable energy by 2025 and 31% by 2050, conveying the importance of not only highlighting the value of clean energy, but also its benefits in increasing the productivity of rural communities.

Ambassador Santo also encouraged inter-business cooperation to be able to explore opportunities for joint project development in the field of renewable energy.

Mrs. Tri Mumpuni, who in Indonesia is known as the Electric Woman, said that the development of clean energy must favour the poor and involve the community. She underlined the importance of democratizing energy, which means that everyone, regardless of status, must have access to energy.

Despite differences in the geographical landscape and availability of renewable energy sources, the speakers noted that the two countries have similar success stories in utilizing renewable energy resources for the needs of rural and remote communities.

The seminar presented several expert speakers, including Dr. Sovuthy Pheav Under Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Tri Mumpuni, BRIN Steering Member, and Dr. Kong Pharith Director of IMB, a company in the field of renewable energy. At least 70 students from the University of Cambodia, National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, and Preah Kossamak Polytechnic Institute participated in the seminar.

The seminar coincided with the 6th Annual Clean Energy Week which runs from 16 – 23 November 2023 to promote the development and use of clean energy in Cambodia.