Indonesia's Climate Action: Inconsistencies and Challenges

Indonesia is currently facing scrutiny regarding its climate action efforts, particularly as it has not demonstrated consistent progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions since ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2016. The country has set ambitious targets, including a 31.89% reduction in emissions domestically and a 43.20% reduction with international support by 2030, alongside a net-zero target by 2060. However, the delay in submitting its Second Nationally Determined Contribution (SNDC) to the United Nations, originally due by September 30, 2025, has raised concerns about its credibility as a climate-conscious nation.

Indonesia's climate action inconsistency raises credibility concernsContextAdventures in Climate Change: Episoe 6Prabowo’s Climate Test at the UN: Can Indonesia Lead Where America Falters?Mongabay

Experts have criticized Indonesia's approach to climate action, highlighting the lack of clear direction in its mitigation planning. Agung Budiono, Executive Director of the CERAH Foundation, noted that the delay in the SNDC submission reflects a loss of direction in climate mitigation efforts. Nadia Hadad, Executive Director of the Madani Berkelanjutan Foundation, emphasized the urgency of publishing updated climate targets before the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil. The report "A Decade of National Climate Action" by Deep Decarbonization Pathways (DDP) indicates that Indonesia is lagging in translating long-term climate strategies into actionable policies.

Indonesia's climate action inconsistency raises credibility concernsPrabowo’s Climate Test at the UN: Can Indonesia Lead Where America Falters?ContextAdventures in Climate Change: Episoe 6Mongabay

Indonesia's heavy reliance on coal, weak infrastructure, and inconsistent regulatory enforcement pose significant challenges to its climate commitments. The DDP report outlines risks associated with continued fossil fuel dependency and limited renewable energy development. Socio-economic factors, such as potential job losses in fossil fuel sectors and regional disparities, complicate the transition to a greener economy. Despite these challenges, the DDP report also identifies the potential for creating up to 1.8 million new jobs in renewable energy and related sectors by 2030.

Indonesia's climate action inconsistency raises credibility concernsPrabowo’s Climate Test at the UN: Can Indonesia Lead Where America Falters?ContextMongabay

In a bid to enhance its climate action, Indonesia is moving to designate 17 seagrass habitats as national strategic areas for blue carbon. This initiative aims to cut emissions and protect marine ecosystems while boosting coastal livelihoods. However, experts warn that the success of this plan hinges on transparent governance and fair benefit-sharing with local communities. The potential for carbon markets in seagrass management is significant, with estimates suggesting these areas could store over 30 million tons of carbon.

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President Prabowo Subianto has positioned Indonesia as a potential climate leader, particularly in light of the United States' retreat from global climate action. He has proposed ambitious targets, including a transition to 100% renewable energy within ten years. However, inconsistencies within Indonesia's energy policies, which still include plans for new coal and gas plants, threaten to undermine these commitments. Experts stress that Indonesia's credibility on the global stage will depend on aligning domestic policies with its climate ambitions.

Prabowo’s Climate Test at the UN: Can Indonesia Lead Where America Falters?Indonesia's climate action inconsistency raises credibility concernsContextMongabayAdventures in Climate Change: Episoe 6

Indonesia's climate action efforts face significant hurdles, including bureaucratic inertia and a lack of coherent policies. The upcoming years will be critical for the country to demonstrate measurable progress in its climate commitments. As Indonesia seeks to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, the involvement of local communities and transparent governance will be essential to ensure that climate initiatives yield tangible benefits for all stakeholders.

Indonesia's climate action inconsistency raises credibility concerns