KLH and UNIDO Discuss Strengthening Environmental Protection in Industrial Estates
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Environment, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, held a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to discuss several issues, including strengthening the capacity for ecosystem management and environmental protection around industrial estates for the benefit of local communities.
According to statements confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, the Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Jumhur Hidayat, alongside UNIDO representatives, met on Monday (1/6) to discuss strategic issues ranging from the total elimination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) to the expansion of partnerships in enhancing the management capacity of lake and peatland ecosystems.
“We welcome this initiative, but with the caveat that projects must provide direct benefits to local communities and ecosystem restoration, rather than solely supporting the interests of industrial estates,” stated Minister Jumlam Hidayat.
The meeting also addressed the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP) implemented by UNIDO in the Morowali and Weda Bay industrial estates. This cooperation is directed towards developing sustainable nickel supply chains, a circular economy, and environmental protection surrounding these industrial areas.
This approach considers that while industrial estates play a major role in the economy, the implementation of environmental protection and biodiversity standards around these areas must remain strict and uncompromising.
Both parties also discussed the implementation of the total elimination of PCBs, carcinogenic chemical substances used in older electrical transformers. Indonesia has previously completed the PCBs Project Phase 1, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNIDO, which successfully established an environmentally friendly, non-incineration technology-based PCB destruction facility in Nambo, West Java.
Regarding the matter, the Minister of Environment clarified the prevailing legal position in Indonesia. “Based on applicable laws and regulations, ministries or agencies are not permitted to receive grants in the form of direct cash from international organisations,” explained Jumhur Hidayat.
Following this explanation, both parties agreed to devise alternative solutions that respect national regulations without causing significant project delays.