We are aware that the post-pandemic-economic recovery period would be challenging, especially on how to keep the economic recovery efforts still on the sustainable development track

• DNA

  BRUSSELS: The Minister for National Development Planning/ Head of Bappenas of the Republic of Indonesia Suharso Monoarfa, together with the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Mr Vincent Piket, launched the EU-Indonesia Cooperation Publication 2020 in a virtual online event in Jakarta on Thursday (17/9). Encapsulating efforts in advancing sustainable development to mitigating the impacts of climate change, the publication also highlights key achievements of the EU and its Member States’ development programmes with Indonesia.

  “We are aware that the post-pandemic-economic recovery period would be challenging, especially on how to keep the economic recovery efforts still on the sustainable development track. The sustainable environment is one of the national priorities and agenda that needs to be considered on all sector’s targets. We believe that efforts to pursue quality economic growth can only be obtained if, at the same time, we also preserve the environment,” Minister Monoarfa said via video conference.

  With a partnership that spans over 40 years, the EU and Indonesia have made great progress in addressing joint priorities and global challenges, including addressing the current health crisis and addressing climate change. EU and EU Member States’ cooperation with Indonesia support economic growth, the health system, education, social inclusion, and environmental protection. In all these areas, cooperation projects aim at exchanging knowledge, developing skills and building capacities, which is reflected in this year’s publication theme, “Building Capacity for Green Growth”.

  In response to the global health challenge, the EU and its Member States have recently launched a “Team Europe” package to support Indonesia’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. A total of EUR 200 million (approximately IDR 3.4 trillion) have been dedicated to supply protective equipment, work with civil society and vulnerable groups, and investments to strengthen the health sector. Looking forward, cooperation with Indonesia will include innovative methods to finance the green transition, urban development and the sustainable management of natural resources.

  “The coronavirus pandemic is the most abrupt and biggest social and economic shock of our generation, affecting all societies globally. As “Team Europe”, the EU and its Member States are determined to cooperate with Indonesia to face the crisis. Through joint efforts, we can overcome the health crisis and ensure a green and sustainable recovery”, said H.E. Vincent Piket, EU Ambassador to Indonesia.

  Recent highlights of EU-Indonesia cooperation include:

  • ARISE Plus – Indonesia: the new trade-related assistance programme will promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, boost job creation, and contribute to Indonesia’s trade competitiveness;
  • Three new projects, blending EU grants with loans from EU Member States development banks, will support priority reform areas and sustainable infrastructure investments in areas such as renewable energy;
  • The launch of the Marine Biodiversity and Support of Coastal Fisheries in the Coral Triangle project, to enhance capacity for marine ecosystem management in North Maluku and North Sulawesi;
  • Continued support to mobility in higher education, including over 1,600 annual scholarships awarded to Indonesian students through the EU’s Erasmus+ programme and Member States’ scholarship schemes.

  scholarship schemes.