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The ASEAN Power Grid Advancement Program (APG-AP) led by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) in partnership with the Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) project and Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) officially held a kickoff meeting in November 2023. The event was part of the ASEAN Power Grid Meeting Series which took place in Jakarta gathering key energy stakeholders in the region to discuss the advancement of the ASEAN Power Grid.

The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) is a key strategic regional infrastructure project aiming to accelerate regional connectivity and market integration in the region.

Under the agreement, ACE-CASE-ETP, who are key players in Southeast Asia’s energy transition, will combine resources and efforts to successfully advance the ASEAN Power Grid from its planning stages to implementation. The APG-AP will provide a platform to foster exchange, progress and respond to the momentum of APG. The APG-AP will first examine the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Interconnection Project (LTMS-PIP) to identify lessons learned for other upcoming multilateral power trading opportunities in the region. The objective of the APG is to drive greater integration of renewable energies in ASEAN and provide member countries with accessible, affordable and resilient electricity.

Link to Further Materials
Launch press release

Contact Person
Sascha Oppowa

Key Buzzwords
Interconnectivity, Power Grid, ASEAN, Renewable Energy, energy transition

One of the challenges of urban transport in Indonesia is congestion caused by the high modal share of private vehicles. This condition is also exacerbated by the limited budget allocation for public transport infrastructure and services. Thus, there is an urgent need for funding to support the development of urban public transport infrastructure and services. One of the funding sources comes from the newly ratified Law No. 35 Year 2023 on General Provisions for Regional Taxes and Regional Levies which can provide the opportunity to fund public transport development through tax revenue. Article 25 of Law No. 35 stipulates that the proceeds from motor vehicle tax revenues be allocated to at least 10 percent for road construction and/or maintenance and improvements of public transport modes and facilities.

Realising the potential of Law No. 35 to be an entryway of public transport development funding, the Ministry of Transportation collaborated with Indonesian Policy Analysts Association (AAKI) supported by SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS held a socialisation seminar to support the acceleration of urban mass transport implementation in Indonesia. The event was held on 30 January 2023 in Jakarta, attended by representatives of the Regional Development Agency and Transportation Agency of SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS pilot cities from Bandung, Batam, Makassar, Pekanbaru, Semarang, and Surabaya, as well as other Municipal Government across Indonesia, Ministry of National Development Planning, and media who were also present online.

Suharto, the Director of Land Transportation disclosed that on average, the growth of private vehicles in Indonesian cities is 8 to 13 percent compared to the infrastructure development with only 0.1 to 1 percent. He also added that cities in Indonesia only allocated around 0.22 – 3.1 percent of their Regional Budget for the Transportation Agency, an amount that would later be divided into various needs, not only for public transport.

The first session of the event delved into the financial challenges faced by the regional government in developing public transport. Lily Kuntratih from the Ministry of Finance added that regional governments tend to allocate the transport sector budget for road repair and road widening, not for public transport. In the same sentiment, Suprayitno of the Ministry of Home Affairs further elaborated that several regional governments do not see public transport as a basic mandatory service. Thus, increasing budget allocation for public transport becomes imminent for a better public transport service for the community.

Lead Advisor SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS, Achmad Zacky Ambadar, in turn, presented a list of potential sources of funding that can be utilised by regional governments. The list includes General Allocation Fund (DAU), Revenue Sharing Fund of Tax, Revenue Sharing Fund of Natural Resources, and others. He also reiterated that the list still needs feedback from the regional governments so that it can be an actionable item.

One of the challenges of urban transport in Indonesia is congestion caused by the high modal share of private vehicles. This condition is also exacerbated by the limited budget allocation for public transport infrastructure and services. Thus, there is an urgent need for funding to support the development of urban public transport infrastructure and services. One of the funding sources comes from the newly ratified Law No. 35 Year 2023 on General Provisions for Regional Taxes and Regional Levies which can provide the opportunity to fund public transport development through tax revenue. Article 25 of Law No. 35 stipulates that the proceeds from motor vehicle tax revenues be allocated to at least 10 percent for road construction and/or maintenance and improvements of public transport modes and facilities.
The first session of the event on the challenges faced by the regional government on public transport development with speakers from SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance who was present online

Realising the potential of Law No. 35 to be an entryway of public transport development funding, the Ministry of Transportation collaborated with Indonesian Policy Analysts Association (AAKI) supported by SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS held a socialisation seminar to support the acceleration of urban mass transport implementation in Indonesia. The event was held on 30 January 2023 in Jakarta, attended by representatives of the Regional Development Agency and Transportation Agency of SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS pilot cities from Bandung, Batam, Makassar, Pekanbaru, Semarang, and Surabaya, as well as other Municipal Government across Indonesia, Ministry of National Development Planning, and media who were also present online.

Suharto, the Director of Land Transportation disclosed that on average, the growth of private vehicles in Indonesian cities is 8 to 13 percent compared to the infrastructure development with only 0.1 to 1 percent. He also added that cities in Indonesia only allocated around 0.22 – 3.1 percent of their Regional Budget for the Transportation Agency, an amount that would later be divided into various needs, not only for public transport.

The first session of the event delved into the financial challenges faced by the regional government in developing public transport. Lily Kuntratih from the Ministry of Finance added that regional governments tend to allocate the transport sector budget for road repair and road widening, not for public transport. In the same sentiment, Suprayitno of the Ministry of Home Affairs further elaborated that several regional governments do not see public transport as a basic mandatory service. Thus, increasing budget allocation for public transport becomes imminent for a better public transport service for the community.

Lead Advisor SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS, Achmad Zacky Ambadar, in turn, presented a list of potential sources of funding that can be utilised by regional governments. The list includes General Allocation Fund (DAU), Revenue Sharing Fund of Tax, Revenue Sharing Fund of Natural Resources, and others. He also reiterated that the list still needs feedback from the regional governments so that it can be an actionable item.
Left to Right: Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of National Development Planning, Asosiasi Analis Kebijakan Indonesia (AAKI), Pekanbaru Transportation Agency, and Ministry of Home Affairs
The event continues to the second session on funding management for the development of sustainable public transport. Yuliarso, the Head of Pekanbaru Transportation Agency, stated that it is important to get the support of the Regional Legislative Council to continue public transport development, thus pushing public transport to become a basic mandatory service. This way of thinking has brought Pekanbaru to successfully ratify a regional law on mass public transport. It laid down that the regional government of Pekanbaru is obliged to provide financing for the mass public transport implementation with a maximum of 5 percent of the Regional Budget.

Horas Panjaitan of the Ministry of Home Affairs also reiterated that to support the implementation of Law No. 35, the motor vehicle tax revenue should be planned and allocated appropriately according to the needs of every regional government. In a similar statement, Iman Sukandar of the Ministry of Transportation stressed the importance of preparing a comprehensive Regional Budget and the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan with an affinity to public transport. Trubus Rahardiansah of AAKI further commented that the development of road infrastructure and mass transport systems should be proportionate, with collaboration with the private sector as one of the means.

It is hoped that this event will ignite more inter-ministerial and inter-regional discussions on public transport financing that will encourage the regional government’s role in improving public transport as a basic mandatory service for the community. Through the progression of the implementation of Law No.35, it is envisioned that the regional governments in Indonesia would be empowered to provide reliable public transport for the community.

Contact Person
Puput Rashati

Key Buzzwords
Sustainable, Transport, Infrastructure, Indonesia, Urban, Mobility, BRT

The beautiful coastal city of Manado is rich in biodiversity and home to the famous Bunaken National Park. Plastic pollution remains a threat, however the city continues to spearhead initiatives with the support of the GIZ 3RproMar project. German Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN & Timor-Leste, Ina Lepel, recently visited Manado to witness firsthand the innovative approaches the city has been taking.

From the innovative waste sorting at TPS3R Cempaka, to the tumbler movement at Eben Heizer School, and to the river barrier system implemented by No Trash Triangle Initiative (NTTI), Manado is signaling towards positive and sustainable solutions. Further, with GIZ’s innovative grant scheme, local awardees which include the Perkumpulan Manengkel Solidaritas, NTTI, CV. Satu Tampa, CV. Daur Sinar Gemilang, and Waus Energy, are effectively able to carry out their respective waste management initiatives. Ambassador Lepel’s visit to Manado led up to meaningful dialogues with Mayor Andrei Angou, and participation from the awardees underscored the importance of collective effort in waste management as Manado charts course towards a cleaner future.

Date
January 29, 2024

Location
City of Manado, Indonesia

Contact Person
Julia Giebel

Indonesia has introduced its own EPR regulation, commonly referred to as P75, to reduce 30% of their waste by 2030 and obliges producers in the Manufacturing, Retail and Food Services sectors and Beverages to reduce waste through the 3R approach. GIZ, through the’ Reduce, Re-use and Recycle to Protect the Marine Environment and Coral Reefs’ (3RproMar) project, therefore works closely with its consultant, Nara Synergy and its private sector partners to develop a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) from producers along with guidelines needed for producers to formulate a target and detailed waste reduction plan until 2030.

On January 24 in Jakarta, Indonesia, GIZ 3RproMar held a launching event for an essential FAQs and guideline handbook for P75, compiled from queries by producers and highlighting effective implementation of P.75/2019, pivotal for the 30% target. The FAQ and guideline handbook in its online version will soon be available on Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s (MoEF) Waste Reduction Directorate website to ensure easy access. 

Date
January 24, 2024

Location
Jakarta, Indonesia

Contact Person
Roy Andy Panjaitan

During the meeting, the delegates underscored the pivotal role of green hydrogen energy (GH2) in the power sector. GH2 is necessary for the country’s energy transition, especially in scenarios where renewable energy faces curtailment due to the excess of solar and wind generation and the inflexibility of the current power system. However, the lack of a clear definition of GH2 in power market design and the absence of essential mechanisms impede the industry’s progress.

The delegates proposed leveraging mechanisms like Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to provide Viet Nam with technical and financial support, thereby fostering the growth of the industry.

The meeting involved the participation of seven German enterprises operating in the energy sector in Viet Nam and GIZ experts.

Date
January 24, 2024

Location
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Contact Person
Markus Bissel

To encourage the preparation and commitment of regional governments on the implementation of public transport, SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS organised a series of FGD in two of its pilot cities, namely Semarang and Pekanbaru. The FGD invited both government and non-government practitioners to gather insights from various stakeholders that will provide a comprehensive understanding of public transport conditions in each city. One of the main takeaways from the FGDs is the need to advocate to various stakeholders to develop excellent public transport for the community.

It is also important to highlight that Semarang needs a plan to establish a public transport authority to overcome the regional administrative challenges of its public transport. While Pekanbaru needs to restrict the use of private vehicles and provide feeders to support the public transport development in the city. Going forward, SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS will utilise the results of the FGD to formulate a communication strategy to help accelerate public transport implementation.

Date

• November 29-30, 2023 in Semaran
• January 18-19, 2024 in Pekanbaru

Location
Semarang and Pekanbaru, Indonesia

Contact Person
Puput Rashati

The Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group – Vinacomin is a Vietnamese national consortium that specializes in the exploitation of coal and mineral and Vinacomin – Power Holding Corporation is established for investing, constructing and operating thermal power plants, hydropower plants, RE power plants in Vietnam. The TKV-Power is managing and operating seven (07) thermal power plants and has been tending to cooperate with international partners in terms of conducting study on biomass co-firing at their plants as well as co-investment in biomass or biomass co-firing plants with the objectives of developing the transition pathways from coal-fired generation.

​In this context, GIZ, with the consultation of international and national experts, is conducting a pre-feasibility study on biomass co-firing application for coal-fired thermal power plants in Vietnam with a case study of Cao Ngan coal-fired power plant, one of the TKV-Power TPPs. The study aims at developing a detailed pre-feasibility report for a speicific coal-fired power plants as case study to propose effective policies in implementation coal switching to biomass co-firing.

​Date
January 4, 2024

Location
Cao Ngan TPP, Thai Nguyen

Contact Person
Vu Chi Mai​

Bernd Hagenbuch, our German expert has recently completed one month of working directly with Business Department of the Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) within the framework of the German Expert Placement Programme (GEPP) implemented by GIZ ESP. ​ 

​Mr. Bernd is the first German expert of GEPP project arriving in Viet Nam. He started to work at EVN at the beginning of January 2024. He sat at EVN’s office and directly exchanged his expertise on three main topics, including managing electricity load demand, EV charging stations, and improving customer experience in using electricity service. 

Mr. Bernd shared that he was very impressed by EVN’s professionalism and learning spirit. After one month of work, he has gained a better understanding of Viet Nam’s power system in general, and EVN’s operational system in particular. 

​With many years of experience working in the power sector in Germany, Mr. Bernd also shared with EVN officials his expertise related to demand response and grid balancing in operating power system with high proportion of renewable energy. 

Mr. Bernd especially loves the working culture in Viet Nam. “The atmosphere at the EVN office is friendly and pleasant. At the beginning of every morning, we usually gather to have tea and discuss. This is something we don’t have in Germany.” ​

​Prior to that, on January 26, in Hanoi, EVN Deputy General Director Vo Quang Lam met and bid farewell to Mr. Bernd. The first cooperation between the German expert and EVN under the GEPP project has achieved positive results, contributing to the reinforcement of the project’s objectives.

​The GEPP project introduces a new model of cooperation to the GIZ ESP’s Vietnamese partners to tap specialized knowledge from German utilities. German experts of these German utilities will come to Viet Nam and peer-to-peer work with Vietnamese staffs at their own offices during up to 3 months. The assignments for German experts have been clearly defined in advance with GIZ ESP’s partners and the involved parties. This model is expected to allow both the German and Vietnamese experts to closely exchange experiences and learn from each other.

Link to Further Materials
GIZ Energy Support Programme | Hanoi | Facebook

Contact Person
Markus Bissel

Key Buzzwords
Viet Nam, expert exchange, energy transition

More than 100 scientific research articles and 200 students have created a dynamic space, promoting exchange and discussion about advanced trends in sustainable energy development.

​At the event, young researchers presented research results to solve practical technological problems in the energy industry. This is also an opportunity for students to exchange and update technicalities related to electricity, energy, new materials, and sustainable development.​​​

Date
December 17, 2023

Location
VNU University of Engineering and Technology

Contact Person
Vu Chi Mai​

Solar, onshore and offshore wind power are the 03 renewable energy related segments that has the most potential for locally manufacturing, which worth up to 160 billion USD from 2025 to 2050; the localization rate can increase from 45% to nearly 80% for solar power and from 37% to 55% for onshore wind power by 2050.

​However, only a few Vietnamese enterprises are participating in the wind and solar power ecosystem. Among 8 enterprises that are supporting solar power field, there is only one Vietnamese company that mainly produces shelves and frames, as stated by Truong Chi Binh – Vice President of the Viet Nam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI).

​Can Viet Nam increase the local content in renewable energy technology? This is the topic of panel discussion at the 6th Energy and Technology Forum in Hanoi.  ​

Date
December 14, 2023

Location
Hanoi, Viet Nam

Contact Person
Vu Chi Mai​