VP: Limited means for eco-friendly development<\/p>\n
NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri
\nadmitted that the Indonesian government has limited resources to
\ndesign a sustainable and environment-friendly development
\nstrategy.<\/p>\n
Addressing the opening of the Economic and Social Commission
\nfor Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) regional summit on Thursday, the
\nVice President lamented the fact that certain countries had tried
\nto exploit Indonesia's shortcoming in environmental management to
\npush for concessions in trade.<\/p>\n
\"We fully understand our knowledge and capability in drafting
\nsuch a (sustainable) policy and managing it in an effective
\nmanner, remains insufficient.<\/p>\n
\"(But) it's unfair if some of us have to face threats of
\nsanctions while facing difficulties and committing mistakes only
\nbecause of inadequate knowledge and proficiency,\" Megawat said.<\/p>\n
She said like other countries, Indonesia had never intended to
\ndesign a national development plan which puts the environment at
\nstake.<\/p>\n
No less than 40 senior officials and ministers,
\nrepresentatives of 16 countries and international organizations,
\nand some 63 businesspeople are attending the four-day meeting.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the day, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
\nPurnama Yusgiantoro said participants in the conference would
\nseek and share ideas on sustainable development. The proposal
\ndrafted in the meeting will be presented to the United Nations
\nCommission for Sustainable Development in New York in April next
\nyear.<\/p>\n
\"We also expect to agree on a sort of declaration and action
\nprogram,\" Purnomo said.<\/p>\n
Separately, director general of oil and gas Rachmat Sudibyo
\nsaid for the sake of sustainable development, the government is
\nintensifying efforts to find alternative energy sources.<\/p>\n
\"Gas is the most likely choice, which can be used also for
\nvehicles. We are developing an integrated distribution system of
\ngas through pipes which in the future will link Sumatra and all
\nparts of Java,\" Rachmat said.<\/p>\n
Indonesia's oil reserves of nine billion barrels will be
\ndepleted in 18 to 20 years at the current annual consumption rate
\nof 500 million barrels. (zan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/vp-limited-means-for-eco-friendly-development-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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