Low carbon economic development

Balikpapan, 18/9/14. The East Kalimantan Provincial Government launched 'Green Kaltim' in 2009 which marked the start of implementation environmentally sound regional development. The East Kalimantan Provincial Government together with all elements of society declared and published the document "Low Carbon Economic Development' or the Green Kaltim Program (Low Carbon Growth Strategy) at the 2010 Kaltim Summit, January 7 2010 at the Grand Senyiur Hotel Samarinda. This shows how the East Kalimantan Provincial Government reduces greenhouse gas emissions but is still able to maintain and even increase economic growth.

This was conveyed by Plt. Regional Secretary of East Kalimantan Province, DR.Ir.H. Rusmadi.MS representing the Governor of East Kalimantan, DR.H. Awang Faroek Ishak at a joint press conference after the opening of the Intensive Discussion "Stakeholder Initiatives to Realize a Green Economy in East Kalimantan" attended by the Governor of East Kalimantan, DR.H. Awang Faroek Ishak was represented by Plt. Regional Secretary of East Kalimantan Province and Head of BAPPEDA East Kalimantan Province, DR.Ir.H. Rusmadi.MS; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Indonesia, H.E. Stig Traavik; Daily Chair of DDPI Kaltim, Prof. DR. Daddy Ruhiyat; Acting Regent of Mahakam Ulu, M.S Ruslan; Deputy Regent of West Kutai, H. Didik Effendi, S.Sos., M.Si led by a moderator from the committee.

"The East Kalimantan Provincial Government supports holding this discussion, because it will provide important input for stakeholders, both at the local and national levels, regarding the development of green economy pilot activities." Plt continued. Secretary of East Kalimantan Province.

DR.Ir.H. Rusmadi.MS said that "to realize the vision of East Kalimantan 2030 as a province capable of building an environmentally sound, healthy and sustainable economic body, important steps are needed, namely: 1. Reducing emissions and carbon in economic activities by utilizing natural resources such as agriculture, forestry, plantations, oil and gas, coal; 2. Making breakthroughs by exploring economic sectors that are capable of providing high economic growth but low in carbon gas emissions; 3. Developing superior commodities that renewable; 4. Development of environmentally friendly infrastructure to support programs to develop renewable superior commodities." The Kalimantan Provincial Government also needs support and assistance from the Kingdom of Norway to realize a green East Kalimantan in the future.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Indonesia, H.E. Stig Traavik said "I feel the enthusiasm of the Provincial Government and stakeholders in East Kalimantan in finding solutions to implement low-emission development patterns based on resource potential, economic sector characteristics and biodiversity in this province"

H.E. Stig Traavik added that many REDD+ pilot activities in East Kalimantan are developing in the context of a green economy. These activities are carried out in several districts as a form of partnership between the government and local communities, with civil society and international development partners.

Meanwhile, CEO of WWF-Indonesia, DR. Efransjah said, "the implementation of a green economy requires partnerships between parties so that a balance of economic, social and environmental interests can be created in a low-emission development concept."

WWF-Indonesia carries out activities within the green economy framework in West Kutai Regency and Mahakam Ulu Regency with the active role of the community, companies and the local district government. WWF-Indonesia encourages the two districts to have a 'Green Economic Development Program' as a comprehensive strategy to contribute to reducing emissions in East Kalimantan Province. Connect Efransjah.

East Kalimantan is one of the leading provinces in Indonesia which has committed to developing low-carbon development and has the potential to contribute to the national emission reduction target. This province is facing deforestation challenges, especially those caused by illegal logging, forest fires, and the conversion of natural forests for oil palm, acacia, rubber and coal mining plantations.

In East Kalimantan, green economic development and the implementation of REDD+ must be considered as momentum in improving targeted forest and land management, in order to realize East Kalimantan as a 'Green Province'. Said Prof. DR. Daddy Ruhiyat, Daily Chair of DDPI East Kalimantan.

As a follow-up to Presidential Decree Number 61 of 2011, East Kalimantan has completed the preparation of the 'Regional Action Plan for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (RAD GRK) for the 2010-2020 Period' in October 2012. The emission reduction target is divided into 4 main sectors, namely Forestry and Peatlands, Agriculture, Energy and Transportation, Industry and Waste (waste). Not only completing the preparation of the 'REDD+ Implementation Provincial Strategy and Action Plan (SRAP REDD+)' in accordance with national policy and awareness of the vulnerability of the environment in East Kalimantan to the potential impacts of climate change.

Meanwhile, according to the Acting Regent of Mahakam Ulu, M.S Ruslan, he said that his party would commit to developing Mahakam Ulu into a green district. Therefore, in preparing the RTRW for the development of Mahakam Ulu, WWF will partner. Mahakam Ulu Regency, which has only been established for 16 months, has an area where 85 percent of its forest cover is still maintained.

"The Dayak people value the forest as the breath/soul of their life. Preparing the Mahakam Ulu spatial plan is the first step for environmentally sound development of the region,". His words explained. (Public Relations of Bappeda of East Kalimantan Province/Sukandar, S.Sos).