NUSA DUA (Yosefardi) – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jero Wacik, today (Monday, June 3 2013) officially opened the 19th Coaltrans Asia conference at The Westin Nusa Dua, Bali.
Speaking about the outlook for coal industry in Indonesia, the Minister urged delegates to be optimistic with their future. The Minister highlighted Indonesia’s inevitable growth in the population of Middle Class in a move to console those wary of the global decline in coal price, “The global economy is the main reason behind the temporary decline in price. But energy needs will only grow in the future.”
Indonesia is looking to increase the energy portion for coal in the country’s total energy mix to 33 percent from today’s 24.5 percent by 2025 with the plan to build additional 5000 MW coal-based power plants.
In conjunction with the Conference, the Minister underlined the Indonesian Government’s commitment with its Four-track Policy Strategy of Pro Growth, Pro Jobs, Pro Poor, and Pro Environment. In his most serious remark delivered to date, the Minister addressed the policy’s skeptics declaring, “We do not need your investment, if you do not agree with our policy.” “If you disagree [with our policy] you can come as tourists … come to Bali, go to spa, then go home,” the Minister joked.
This 19th Coaltrans Asia Conference aims to facilitate its delegates with platforms for a more proactive business networking. The conference has attracted a large number of registrants throughout its years. Over 2000 participants from over 40 countries are attending this year’s conference with over 100 exhibitors occupying four halls at the Westin’s Bali International Convention Centre. The conference ends on Wednesday June 5, 2013.
Yosef Ardi News is Coaltrans Asia’s media partner.