Indonesian Environment Minister Highlights Peat Emissions,

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001996 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR SECC, OES AND EAP EPA/OIA FOR RKASAT, MKASMAN, KBUCKLEY BANGKOK FOR RDM/A USFS FOR CMACKIE USAID FOR ANE, EGAT E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: SENV KGHG EAID PREL ID SUBJECT: Indonesian Environment Minister Highlights Peat Emissions, Environmental Law Enforcement ¶1. (U) During a December 4 meeting, Indonesia's new Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta highlighted monitoring and mitigation of peat land emissions as a key area for partnership and U.S. assistance. Government of Indonesia (GOI) ministries are busy preparing plans to achieve President Yudhoyono's 2020 emissions reduction target of 26%, Hatta said. He noted that of the 26%, the GOI is targeting 14% from Land Use Change and Forestry (LUCF),6% from energy, and 6% from waste management. ¶2. (SBU) Minister Hatta asked about potential Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assistance for implementing Indonesia's new Environmental Management Law. This has significantly strengthened the Environment Ministry's enforcement authority, he said. The EPA could help his Ministry set up regional EPA-like bodies throughout Indonesia and improve its capacity to exercise this expanded enforcement role. ¶3. (SBU) Hatta welcomed the possibility of discussing this with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson during COP-15. However, Hatta noted that he is likely to arrive in Copenhagen on December 13 at the earliest and possibly as late as December 16 (as part of President Yudhoyono's entourage). ¶4. (SBU) Copenhagen Logistics: Post will follow up on Minister Hatta's travel schedule. Bilateral meetings can also be arranged through Dr. Henry Bastaman, who will accompany the Minister. Email: henribastaman@menlh.go.id, henribastaman@yahoo.com; cell phone: +62-816-104-930 (Blackberry-enabled). HUME