Hyundai Motor Ends Partnership with Adaro Following K-Pop Fans' Climate Crisis Campaign

Kapanlagi.com - Millions of K-Pop fans have made significant contributions to various global campaigns and social activities, often using social media. This includes when Kpop4Planet, led by K-Pop fans, called on Hyundai Motor Co from South Korea to refrain from purchasing metal supplies produced using coal energy. This call resulted in the termination of the aluminum supply agreement between Hyundai Motor Co and PT Adaro Minerals Indonesia Tbk.

Kpop4Planet launched a campaign opposing Hyundai's plan to use aluminum from Adaro's smelter, which took the form of a petition that successfully gathered nearly 11 thousand signatures in March 2023. They sent the petition and an open letter to Hyundai's Headquarters in South Korea and also held a demonstration at Hyundai Motorstudio in 2023.

1. End of Memorandum of Understanding

instagram.com/kpop4planet

In a statement on Tuesday (2/4/2024), Hyundai Motor announced that they have terminated the non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adaro, the second-largest coal mining subsidiary in Indonesia, Adaro Energy Indonesia, at the end of 2023. Each company has decided to explore other opportunities independently.

Wito Krisnahadi, Director of PT Adaro Minerals Indonesia, also confirmed that both companies have decided not to renew the agreement after its expiration.

2. Aluminium Smelting and Carbon Emissions

Hyundai signed an MoU with Adaro Minerals in 2022 to obtain the rights to purchase aluminium produced by Adaro's subsidiary, PT Kalimantan Aluminium Industry. At the time of signing, the South Korean car manufacturer stated that they expect to buy aluminium from Adaro that complies with the carbon neutral policy of global car manufacturers amidst increasing demand for aluminium.

Aluminium smelting itself requires a significant amount of energy. When using coal, it will result in large carbon emissions. Adaro plans to power the third phase of the aluminium smelting project with a hydroelectric power plant currently being constructed by their group.

3. Climate Crisis Care

Kpop4Planet climate activist group, which calls for an end to Hyundai's aluminum agreement, welcomes the car manufacturer's decision. Not stopping there, they will continue to monitor Hyundai's raw material sources for its production.

"This is a victory for thousands of K-pop fans who truly care about the climate crisis, especially in Indonesia," said a representative from Kpop4Planet, as quoted by Reuters.

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(kpl/rsp)