Indonesia is leading the charge with regards to renewables in Africa, having discussed our commitment to energy during the recent Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum.
At the IAPF, Adriani Kusumawardani, Assistant Deputy for Maritime Security and Resilience at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, emphasized Indonesia's own experiences with downstreaming.
She noted that Indonesia's domestic processing of natural nickel resources has led to a substantial increase in state revenues, from USD 1.3 billion when selling raw materials to USD 38 billion through local processing.
This success story serves as a model for African nations, suggesting that similar strategies could enhance their economic prospects by maximizing the value derived from their natural resources.
Downstreaming refers to the local processing and utilization of natural resources, allowing countries to develop their industries and reduce reliance on imports.
By supporting African nations in this endeavor, Indonesia aims to foster local industries that can produce renewable energy technologies, such as batteries for electric vehicles and solar panels.
This approach not only creates jobs but also stimulates economic growth, positioning African countries to better harness their abundant renewable resources.
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The IAPF was held concurrently with the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF II), which aims to reach a cooperation value of approximately USD 3.5 billion.
During this forum, several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and strategic cooperation agreements were signed.
Notable agreements include the development of geothermal energy between Indonesia's PT PLN and Tanzania's TANESCO, as well as a health technology transfer cooperation between Biofarma and Atlantic Lifescience Ghana.
These partnerships highlight Indonesia's commitment to sharing its expertise and resources with African nations.
Indonesia's support for renewable energy in Africa encompasses various priority areas, including economic transformation, energy, mining, food security, and health.
By focusing on these sectors, Indonesia aims to promote innovation, efficiency, and competition within the African energy landscape.
This collaborative effort is essential for addressing the pressing energy needs of the continent, where millions still lack access to reliable electricity.
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This partnership between Indonesia and African nations represents a significant example of South-South cooperation, where developing countries collaborate to share knowledge and resources.
As Africa strives to achieve universal access to modern energy services by 2030, Indonesia's involvement could play a pivotal role in accelerating this transition.
The continent is home to 60% of the world's best solar resources yet has only tapped a fraction of its potential.
Indonesia's support can help unlock this potential, leading to sustainable development and energy security.
Indonesia's commitment to supporting the downstreaming of renewable energy in Africa marks a transformative step toward enhancing energy cooperation and sustainability.
By leveraging its expertise and experience, Indonesia can help African countries maximize their renewable energy resources, fostering economic growth and development.