The European Union, along with its member states, is collaborating with the Central Java Provincial Government on the Switch-Asia Low Carbon Rice Project. This initiative, funded by the EU and implemented by Preferred by Nature in partnership with local Indonesian organizations (Perpadi and KRKP), aims to promote sustainable rice production and reduce carbon emissions in Indonesia's significant rice sector. The project provides support, including facilitation and assistance, to 150 rice mills in Central and East Java. A key focus is transitioning these mills from diesel to electric-powered systems, which significantly reduces carbon emissions (up to 80%), lowers production costs (30-40%), and improves the livelihoods of rice producers.Central Java, being a major rice-producing province, plays a crucial role, with regencies like Klaten, Sragen, and Boyolali serving as pilot locations where the shift to energy-efficient practices has already demonstrated success. The Mayor of Surakarta, Respati Ardi, highlighted that the project aligns with the city's vision for a sustainable agricultural ecosystem based on environmental friendliness, community empowerment, and technological innovation. The Switch-Asia program is a broader EU initiative promoting sustainable consumption and production (SCP) across 42 countries in Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific. Since its inception, it has funded 158 projects and supported 80,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: SWA - June 30, 2025