Jakarta – The People’s Alliance for Climate Justice (ARUKI) condemned Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia’s statement regarding the possibility of following in the footsteps of the United States withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. In a press statement on Friday, January 31, ARUKI said that Bahlil’s statement showed the government’s neglect towards climate justice and ignored the suffering of people affected by the climate crisis.
“This statement shows the government’s lack of understanding and indifference to the urgency of the climate crisis and its reluctance to prioritise the climate justice agenda,” said Giorgio B. Indrarto, Deputy Director of MADANI Berkelanjutan.
ARUKI emphasised that Indonesia is legally obligated to implement the Paris Agreement commitments through Law No. 16 of 2016 and Presidential Regulation No. 98 of 2021. Ignoring this commitment will damage Indonesia’s credibility worldwide and eliminate access to international climate finance.
Data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) shows that in 2023-2024, 6,827 weather and climate-related disasters affected more than 13 million people in Indonesia. ARUKI also highlighted that vulnerable groups such as farmers, fishermen, indigenous people, women, and people with disabilities are the most affected by the climate crisis.
In addition, ARUKI criticised the continued use of coal as the main energy source, contrary to climate change mitigation efforts. “The idea of basing energy sovereignty on coal is a wrong paradigm,” said Syaharani from the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL).
As a follow-up, ARUKI calls on the government to continue implementing the Paris Agreement with the target of early retirement of coal-fired power plants;
facilitate the transition to renewable energy that is inclusive and fair, prioritise climate justice in development policies, and encourage the discussion of the Climate Justice Bill with broader public participation.
Bahlil Lahadalia’s statement confirms that the government still prioritises the exploitation of natural resources over environmental safety and people’s welfare. ARUKI emphasises the importance of policy reform to ensure a fair and sustainable energy transition for all parties. (nsh)
Banner photo: Markus Spiske/pexels.com
