Thursday, 27 February 2014

AMERICA PLED INDONESIA TO ENHANCE LAW ENFORCEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION



The Government the USA again reminded Indonesia the importance of law enforcement to trouble shoot environmental problems, nature destruction and extreme climate in Indonesia, because one of the important aspects in Indonesia-America collaboration was law enforcement. “This is an important aspect of the entire collaboration. America collaborated with various institutions and ministries including the Corruption Eradication Commission [KPK] to enhance law enforcement,” the US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake told Business News [11/2].

President SBY and President Barrack Obama agreed on bilateral collaboration between the two nations within the framework of US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership. The agreement was made in year 2010 to stipulate Acrtion Plan. It incorporated among others six working groups i.e. education, defense and security, energy, democracy and social affairs, trading and investment and anomalous climate.

The activities proclaimed by the two nations were among others formation of Climate Change Study Center in Indonesia, which was follow up action of the working group on climate change and environment. “We do not wish to focus on one aspect only, although Law enforcement is important, but inclusive of all aspects to handle various problems. The case is multi-dimensional,”

The US Government was expecting there would be progress in the activities of the working group on climate change. The US Government was proud of the performance at home in managing climate change problems. “The effort of the Working Group in the USA had succeeded in reducing Glass House effect caused by carbon emission by more than 7 percent. This is most significant compared to the time when the group started to work in 2005. There is no other way but to work hard, among others by enhancing partnership program with Indonesia.”

Meanwhile the Research and Development [R & D] Division of the Ministry of Maritime and Fishery [KKP] would continue to step up collaboration with F A O, the UN’s Food body. One of the objectives was to reduce emission of carbon, including CO2 on mangrove. This was most important in conserving Indonesia’s marine resources in Indonesia. “CO2 carbon absorption in the air includes mangrove and peatland. Our collaboration with FAO would reduce CO2 concentrations” Head of KKP R & D Achmad Poernomo disclosed to Business News[11/2].

Peatland was getting more attention in the effort to reduce carbon emission. The Government of RI announced target of carbon emission reduction by 26% - 41% in 2020. One of the determinant factor was peatland and mangrove in Indonesia. One third of the world’s earth carbon was found in Indonesia, all were great potential for increase of carbon emission.

Reduction of carbon emission in peatland and mangrove could prevent damage and restore coastal environment. As planned, an FAO team would come next week to realize collaboration with R & D of KKP. The collaboration to reduce CO2 emission was in tandem with strengthening of food resiliency. “We would develop mina rice and fish nursey. We are trusted in our capability by FAO. So it would be advisable to share research outcome with the countries in Asia and Africa.” Achmad said.

The way it had been, Indonesia only took over research outcome from abroad. Now it’s time for Indonesia to pass on research outcome to other countries. The collaboration only involved Indonesia’s Science & Technology Center [LIPI]. “In terms of financing, not yet. We are still finalizing the plan” Achmad remarked.

From past experiences we learned that financing had always been well balanced. Meaning, expenses for foreign participants was borne on fifty-fifty basis with the counterparts. “FAO sent for participants and they paid their own expenses, but we bear the training expenses here. We share financing. We want to show them that we are credible and able to support FAO. Survey outcome of research and collaboration need no patenting. In terms of intellectual rights, we share.” (SS) 

Business News - February 14, 2014

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