Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, together with the ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE), held the ASEAN Green Transport Rally (GTR) to support Indonesia’s chairmanship in 2023 and its net zero emissions target.

The ministry’s Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation Yudo Dwinanda Priaadi said here on Sunday that the rally carried the theme “Towards Net Zero Emissions”.

The rally of vehicles using environmentally friendly fuels will take the route from Jakarta to Bali on August 20–24, 2023.

According to Priaadi, the theme of the ASEAN GTR 2023 illustrated the strong commitment of ASEAN member countries to overcoming transportation sector challenges in achieving the emission reduction target.

Among the ASEAN countries, Indonesia has the highest energy consumption, which will continue to increase significantly along with its economic and population growth.

On the other hand, Indonesia has a strategic role in developing renewable energy to support economic development and tackle climate change, while at the same time striving to realize energy resilience and independence, universalization, and affordability.

“Energy transition efforts in the transportation sector with the use of green vehicles will support the goal of Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission (NZE) in 2060 or even sooner,” he said.

Meanwhile, ACE Executive Director Nuki Agya Utama, who was present at the rally release, said that ASEAN GTR 2023 encouraged the awareness of choosing sustainable mobility, which is important for ASEAN’s growth and development.

The rally was expected to improve energy efficiency and promote vehicle options that use various energy sources and technologies.

“By integrating the ASEAN Green Transport Rally into the ASEAN Energy Business Forum, ACE is actively focusing on sustainable transportation in the region and highlighting innovative solutions for finding alternative energy sources,” Utama said.

He added that innovative solutions are needed to ensure energy security, a stable energy supply, and cheaper energy prices in the transportation sector.