Indonesia, EU, IOM launch initiative to combat climate-induced displacement

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched an initiative aimed at combating climate-induced displacement, the IOM said in a statement Wednesday, October 16. The Climate-Induced Displacement Risk Index (RICD), developed through a multi-partner effort, seeks to enhance Indonesia’s ability to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to displacement triggered by climate change.

The RICD initiative involves cooperation between key Indonesian agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and leading research institutions like the University of Indonesia (UI) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The co-creation process leverages the expertise of all partners to build a comprehensive data model that will allow for more precise predictions of displacement risks.

Jeffrey Labovitz, Chief of Mission for IOM Indonesia, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “All partners are contributing their expertise in a collaborative effort to develop comprehensive solutions to climate-related displacement. This collective engagement is essential to strengthen our ability to anticipate, mitigate, and respond effectively to these challenges, ultimately reducing the impact on vulnerable populations.”

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by stark data on climate-related displacement in Asia and the Pacific. In 2023, 12.6 million people in the region were displaced by disasters, accounting for 41 percent of global internal displacement. By 2050, it is estimated that 48.4 million people in East Asia and the Pacific will face displacement due to slow-onset environmental changes, such as rising sea levels and desertification. The RICD will be instrumental in supporting informed policymaking, guiding operational responses, and enhancing community resilience in the face of these challenges.

Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, echoed the EU’s commitment to addressing this growing threat, stating, “The European Union is proud to support this initiative, which brings together partners to address the growing threat of climate-related displacement. By leveraging collective expertise, this project will strengthen our ability to predict and mitigate the risks of displacement, ensuring that communities in Indonesia are better prepared and protected in the face of climate change.”

RICD operates at both macro and micro levels, examining the underlying factors driving displacement, such as economic, political, and demographic conditions, while also identifying immediate catalysts like loss of livelihoods and food insecurity. A critical aspect of the index is its identification of “tipping points”—moments when the cumulative effects of climate change significantly increase the risk of displacement.

Abdul Muhari, Head of Data, Information, and Communication Center at BNPB, emphasized the importance of the initiative for Indonesia’s national priorities. “RICD will provide the data and insights needed to better anticipate and respond to climate displacement, strengthen our preparedness, and protect vulnerable communities,” he said.

Over the coming months, the project will conduct a national-level macro analysis of displacement risks, followed by micro-level assessments in key locations across Indonesia. These insights will help shape policies and operational responses, ensuring that Indonesia is better equipped to tackle the growing challenge of climate-induced displacement.

As climate change continues to exacerbate displacement risks, initiatives like the RICD are crucial for safeguarding vulnerable populations and building resilience in the face of environmental challenges. (nsh)

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