Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara explored potential financing support from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to accelerate infrastructure development and energy transition projects in Indonesia.
The discussion took place during a bilateral meeting with JBIC Governor on the sidelines of a multilateral summit in Bangkok, Thailand, according to a statement released on Thursday.
The talks focused on JBIC's potential involvement in financing key development projects, including a waste-to-energy facility in Legok Nangka, West Java Province.
Suahasil also encouraged JBIC to expand its collaboration with state-owned infrastructure financing company PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur on both new and ongoing projects.
The discussions also addressed efforts to strengthen Indonesia's energy security and advance its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner.
Highlighting the country's transition toward a low-carbon economy, Suahasil discussed the development of carbon markets and the strategic role of carbon taxation.
"For me, the implementation of a carbon tax is not just about generating more revenue. The policy aims to provide incentives for the business sector to adopt more carbon-friendly practices," he said.
The meeting with JBIC was part of a broader series of bilateral discussions Suahasil held with representatives from Thailand, Singapore, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
In discussions with the World Bank, the focus was on maintaining fiscal credibility while supporting domestic economic growth, including balancing growth targets with prudent government spending.
The World Bank reaffirmed its readiness to support Indonesia's national priorities, particularly efforts to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through digital financing and agricultural initiatives such as Agricollect, alongside ongoing public health programs.
Meanwhile, talks with the IFC explored strategies to expand Indonesian exports and strengthen the capacity of small businesses.
During a separate meeting with Singapore's Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah, Suahasil exchanged views on Southeast Asia's economic outlook and opportunities to deepen ASEAN financial integration.
The discussions covered carbon market development, blended financing for nature-based solutions, and regional energy connectivity through the ASEAN Power Grid. They also addressed knowledge-sharing on artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Such regional cooperation is expected to strengthen connectivity, expand market opportunities, and support sustainable long-term growth across Southeast Asia.
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Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Yashinta Difa
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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