Six Indonesian and multinational companies vowed on Wednesday to strengthen their commitment to reduce carbon emissions and support pro-environment business practices by establishing the Indonesian Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD).

The agreement to set up the council – which is the national chapter of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) – was signed by representatives of paper maker Asia Pacific Resources International Ltd. (APRIL), national airline Garuda Indonesia, energy company PT Medco Power Indonesia, state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia, telecommunications operator PT Bakrie Telecom and cement maker PT Holcim Indonesia.

Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Suryo Bambang Sulisto welcomed the initiative, saying that the establishment of the council was a significant effort from the business sector to contribute to sustainable development in the country.