Ciimate protection and waste management Minister Schulze pledges support for Indonesian-German initiative to improve Green Infrastructure

Press release 10 February 2022 | BERLIN – Germany and Indonesia have agreed to work together to develop a Green Infrastructure. Development Minister Svenja Schulze agreed in a video conference with representatives of the Indonesian government to support projects which are to boost sustainable mobility and improve the management of waste, water supply and wastewater.

Stone elephant with hibiscus flowers, image of the Hindu deity Ganesha, Jakarta, Indonesia

Between now and 2025, up to 2.5 billion euros will be made available, largely as loans for climate and environment-related infrastructure projects in urban areas. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and marine waste. Indonesia is the world's eighth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and therefore plays an important role in international climate diplomacy. Protection of the climate and the environment is already a focal area of Germany's development cooperation with Indonesia.

Minister Schulze said: “In order to make progress in efforts to protect the climate, while at the same time improving people's living conditions, will require massive investment in green infrastructure development. That is why the implementation of the Indonesian-German Green Infrastructure Initiative has high priority under German development cooperation. A climate-friendly future in liveable cities for all people can only be reached if we have a functioning circular economy and proper waste management, if we boost climate-friendly transport and if we establish environmentally sound and resource-friendly water and wastewater management systems.”

Taking part on behalf of Indonesia were Minister Luhut, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, and the Governors of the six participating provinces – West, Central and East Java, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

The very first project under this initiative was agreed last year. It will establish a regional water supply system to serve Central Java. More than 400,000 people in the region will benefit from an improved water supply. The project is expected to cost 85.7 million euros.