Jakarta – Environmental organisation 350.org has highlighted the importance of Indonesia sticking to its climate commitments despite the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, 350.org Indonesia Team Lead, on Tuesday, February 4, said that such a stance is contrary to previously agreed climate commitments and could impact economic and environmental stability.
Statements from Indonesian officials questioning the relevance of the agreement raise concerns about the direction of the country’s environmental policy.
In recent statements, Indonesia’s Special Envoy for climate change and energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, mentioned that the Paris Agreement is “no longer relevant” for Indonesia following the US exit. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that the US decision puts Indonesia’s energy transition in a “big dilemma.”
“This dismissive statement of the Paris Agreement is particularly worrying because it contradicts scientific evidence and Indonesia’s economic projections that show potential GDP losses of up to 40% by 2050 due to climate change impacts,” Sicily said.
She also highlighted how the reliance on the coal and palm oil industries hinders a cleaner energy transition. “The government should see the huge potential of Indonesia’s renewable energy instead of relying on fossil fuels that are increasingly unsustainable,” he added.
Meanwhile, Norly Mercado, Regional Director of 350.org Asia, said that Indonesia has an opportunity to show global leadership on climate issues. “As global temperatures continue to rise and climate impacts become more apparent, Indonesia must not shirk its responsibility just because of a move by the US,” Norly said.
As the world’s third-largest coal producer and the 7th largest emitter of carbon from fuel combustion, Indonesia has an important role in climate change mitigation efforts. He also reminded that President Prabowo Subianto had previously committed in the G20 and COP29 forums to stop coal-fired power plants in 15 years and build an additional 75 GW of renewable energy.
“Instead of seeing the energy transition as a dilemma, Indonesia should utilise its position as a BRICS member to pressure Western countries to fulfil their fair energy transition funding commitments. Domestically, shifting fossil fuel subsidies to renewable energy investments can also be a real solution,” he explained.
With the huge potential of solar and wind energy and increasingly affordable clean energy technologies, Indonesia has a great opportunity to achieve energy independence. However, this opportunity can only be realised if the government dares to take progressive steps in its climate policy without being influenced by the political dynamics of other countries. (Hartatik)