U.S. Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton today said the
Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Government of Indonesia are collaborating to promote growth and reduce poverty.
At the Millennium Challenge Corporation signing ceremony, Ms. Clinton said the MCC embodies the United States’ commitment to work in partnership with nations around the world to support economic growth and deliver results that make a difference in people’s lives.
“It is an honor to join the finance minister and so many other distinguished ministers, representatives of the Indonesian Government, ambassadors, and friends of – in the Indonesia-United States comprehensive partnership. This signing will further deepen the relationship between us. And I am very committed to doing all that we can to make sure that this compact represents the very best of that partnership.” -Ms. Clinton
She highlighted that the MCC and the Government of Indonesia have worked for almost three years to develop this $600 million compact, one of our largest ever, to reduce poverty and promote economic growth hand-in-hand with the Indonesian Government and people.
“The size and scope of this compact over the next five years makes it an essential part of the U.S.-Indonesia comprehensive partnership that our presidents launched one year ago. The three projects in this compact reflect our shared values, and Indonesia’s priorities. And each support the economic and development pillar of our comprehensive partnership.” -Ms. Clinton
She noted that green development and efforts to mitigate climate change have long been rich areas of cooperation between our countries. She said both countries understand that unsustainable land use practices threaten natural resources. Illegal logging, polluting of water resources undercuts Indonesia’s long-term economic growth, as does a lack of access to affordable, reliable electricity.
“So we want to work together to find ways to foster low carbon development in local communities. And I mentioned to the ambassador to the United States that I was so impressed by President Yudhoyono’s composition lauding the efforts on behalf of climate change and cooperative commitment to preserving the great beauty of Indonesia at the gala dinner last evening.” -Ms. Clinton
She reported that under the compact, over half of the 600 million is devoted to the Green Prosperity Project. She said it will help provide viable renewable energy alternatives, and help support natural resource management.
