U.S. and Indonesia Cooperate to Protect the Environment

June 27, 2011

Jakarta - To strengthen environmental cooperation between Indonesia and the United States, the Indonesian Ministry of the Environment (MOE) today will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States of America. Under this MoU, EPA and MOE will cooperate on environmental protection and sustainable utilization of natural resources.

Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta signed the MoU on behalf of the Ministry of Environment.  Ambassador Scot Marciel of the U.S. Embassy was present on behalf of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson to sign the MoU as a reflection of deepening ties on environmental issues between the United States and Indonesia under the Comprehensive Partnership.  In addition to the environment, the Comprehensive Partnership advances cooperation on a wide range of issues such as health, education, science and technology, human rights, and entrepreneurship.

Minister Hatta stated that “The MoU is a positive step in our efforts to face the tremendous challenges in protecting our environment. The U.S. EPA has had experience in dealing with various environmental issues such as with its bordering neighbors as well as in the rehabilitation of mining areas and areas suffering from heavy pollution.  We believe that this collaboration will provide us with the knowledge and expertise to strengthen our efforts to minimize the impacts of environmental degradation in this country.”

At today’s ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel said, “The United States is committed to working with Indonesia both to address the environmental challenges the two countries face and as partners in international efforts to protect the environment."  EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Michelle DePass noted that, “The U.S. recognizes that Indonesia is an essential partner when working to strengthen global environmental protection. We are pleased to cooperate with Indonesia on better protecting human health and the environment in both of our countries.” DePass expects to meet with MOE to finalize the first EPA-MOE joint workplan when she is in Indonesia in July.

The MoU also sets forth a framework for cooperation on “Breathe Easy, Jakarta,” a partnership program between EPA and the Jakarta Administration to gain a better understanding of Jakarta’s air quality challenges and develop cost-effective strategies for improving air quality and public health. Under this program, the Jakarta Administration will work with EPA and other stakeholders to implement a multi-year urban air quality management program to address air pollution in Jakarta.


For more information, please contact :

• Drs. Rasio Ridho Sani, M.Comm., MPM, Head of Bureau Planning and International Coperation, The Ministry of Environment of the republic of Indonesia, Phone/Fax: 021-8580110, Email: rasiosani@menlh.go.id
• Larry Jackson, Associate Director, Media Relations, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Phone: 202-564-0236, Email: Jackson.Larry@epa.gov