- Readers will learn how Indonesia can make the most of its minerals, ways to reduce plastic waste and the Hong Kong police.
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International reaction to last year's COP27 UN Climate Change Conference was mixed.
However, the beacon of hope is my country, Indonesia. Despite being one of the world's top 10 polluters, Indonesia has made significant progress in moving away from fossil fuels in recent years, including participating in the 20 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) dollars.
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According to the JETP, Indonesia will significantly limit carbon emissions and accelerate the use of renewable energy sources to at least 34% of total energy production by 2030. It is leading the transition to green energy in the region.
First, it is rich in rechargeable metals. In 2021, the country accounted for 37 percent of global nickel production, and by the end of the decade it will become the world's second largest producer. Both minerals are essential for electric vehicles, solar power plants and wind farms.
Indonesia has set its sights on mining, processing and exporting these precious minerals much more than ever before. It wants to take advantage of its natural resources by tapping into the refining and components market itself, developing industries that are key to a green economy, and becoming a world leader in hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, solar and tidal power.
Electric vehicles are of particular interest to the government as part of its ambitious "build, operate, localize" plan. Hyundai Motor Company recently completed construction of an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Indonesia, while local company Indika Energy is partnering with Taiwanese giant Foxconn to transform the electric vehicle and battery sector.
The new approach to renewable energy also opens up opportunities for local businesses. On the one hand, there is strong domestic demand in a domestic market with 276 million consumers. In turn, Indonesia's unique climate and geographic location provide these companies with an ideal laboratory and testing ground for renewable energy.
The road ahead will not be easy: the transition to green energy will require significant investment, development and commitment in the face of fierce global competition. But those who want to do more have a seat at the head table of the green revolution sweeping Asia and the world.
Arshad Rasjid, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Indika Energy.
Three ways to reduce plastic waste in Hong Kong
Hong Kong deals with its large amount of plastic waste in various ways; These include increased government support for the recycling industry, non-governmental organizations' campaigns to educate the public about best recycling practices and waste reduction at the individual level.
As the cost of recycling has increased and the market has shrunk, it has become very difficult for local recycling companies to operate. Some were closed, and many recyclable plastics were sent to landfills.
To mitigate this problem, the government could lower the eligibility threshold for the Recycling Fund to help recyclers buy large equipment and pay rent, reducing day-to-day costs. It is also possible to increase investment in the processing industry.
In addition, the government can further improve Hong Kong's waste management network. For example, Green@Community can increase the amount of plastic collected from recycling stations and transport it to major recyclers, increasing industrial productivity and reducing pressure on landfills.
Some people have the habit of throwing plastic waste directly into the bin or throwing it in the bin without washing. This contaminates otherwise clean plastic and greatly reduces recycling efficiency.
NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and Green Feeling should educate citizens about proper disposal practices, such as washing plastic containers before throwing them away. They should also educate citizens about the seven codes for different types of plastic.
Having a clear sorting system will greatly increase recycling efficiency, reduce the complexity of recycling for recyclers and reduce the amount of plastic waste that is directly thrown away, helping to reduce the long-term burden on landfills.
Given Hong Kong's busy urban lifestyle, many buy bottled water or use disposable plastic cutlery and plastic shopping bags for convenience. Therefore, encouraging better habits can significantly reduce waste generation at source.
When people go out, they can take water bottles with them. If they need more water, they can use the Water Free mobile app to find nearby drinking sources. When buying groceries, citizens can bring their own lunch boxes and cutlery, reducing the use of Styrofoam boxes and disposable cutlery.
Adrian Lam, Tai Koo
The police should concentrate their efforts on fighting fraudsters
As an ordinary citizen, I am happy to know that the basic crime rate in Hong Kong is falling every year, said Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-Yi.
However, I hope that Mr. Siu is not complacent and that the police will continue their efforts to make Hong Kong one of the safest cities in the world by addressing the recent rise in fraud cases.
As threats to national security appear to have diminished, I am writing to call for more uniformed police officers on the streets and better communication between the public and the police, thereby restoring public confidence in the police and improving their image.
Lawrence Choi, Wang Chai
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