Indonesia’s Climate Action: Provincial Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals for 2025
Indonesia will begin reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the provincial level in 2025. Priyanto Rohmatullah, the Environment Director at the National Development Planning Ministry, announced this plan during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan. The initiative aims to create a coordinated approach to climate actions across all provinces and regional governments.
By pushing local governments to take action, Indonesia hopes to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, in line with the Paris Agreement. Rohmatullah stressed that these efforts will help the country meet its national climate goals.
Indonesia aims for net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner, with policies that support a green transition. The country plans to pursue economic growth alongside climate action. Its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will broaden emission reduction efforts to include the fisheries sector and the upstream oil and gas sector.
How does Indonesia plan to engage various sectors in its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for climate action?
Interview with Priyanto Rohmatullah, Environment Director at the National Development Planning Ministry of Indonesia
News Directory 3 (ND3): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Rohmatullah. Indonesia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the provincial level starting in 2025 is a significant step. Can you explain the motivations behind this initiative?
Priyanto Rohmatullah (PR): Thank you for having me. This initiative stems from our recognition that effective climate action must be implemented at the local level. By empowering provincial and regional governments, we can tailor strategies that are more relevant to local contexts, ensuring a more coordinated approach to combating climate change. Our goal is to align local actions with national objectives, ultimately contributing to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
ND3: That sounds promising. How does this initiative fit within Indonesia’s broader climate goals?
PR: Our efforts form a crucial part of our national climate strategy. We are aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner. The reduction of emissions at the provincial level is designed to support this larger goal. In the next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) period from 2030 to 2035, we will expand our focus to include priority sectors such as fisheries and upstream oil and gas. This aligns with our National Long-Term Development Plan for 2025–2045, which aims to harmonize economic growth with sustainable practices.
ND3: You mentioned the second NDC will involve new sectors. How do you plan to engage these sectors in the emission reduction processes?
PR: Engaging these sectors will involve collaboration with industry stakeholders, local governments, and communities. We will provide guidance and frameworks that can help these sectors adopt more sustainable practices. For instance, in fisheries, we are looking at responsible fishing practices that can both conserve marine ecosystems and support local economies. Similarly, the oil and gas sector will be encouraged to invest in cleaner technologies.
ND3: What challenges do you foresee in implementing this approach at the provincial level?
PR: We anticipate several challenges. Each province has distinct economic activities, governance structures, and capacities to implement these changes. Additionally, there can be resistance to change from established industries. To address these issues, we will need to provide adequate training, resources, and incentives for local governments. Raising awareness about the importance of these efforts among the public will also be critical.
ND3: How do you see international cooperation playing a role in this initiative?
PR: International cooperation is vital. We can learn from best practices in other countries and access funding and technological support to facilitate our transition. Participating in forums like the UN Climate Change Conference allows us to share our experiences and gain insights from others, enhancing our strategies and resilience.
ND3: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to the citizens of Indonesia regarding this initiative?
PR: I want to emphasize that this is a collective effort. The fight against climate change requires participation from everyone—governments, businesses, and citizens alike. Together, we can work towards a sustainable future that not only addresses climate challenges but also promotes economic growth and improves the quality of life for all Indonesians. It is our shared responsibility to protect our environment for future generations.
ND3: Thank you, Mr. Rohmatullah, for your insights on this vital initiative. We look forward to seeing Indonesia’s progress in climate action.
PR: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference.
The second NDC will be carried out from 2030 to 2035, aligning with Indonesia’s 2025–2045 National Long-Term Development Plan. This comprehensive approach underlines Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable growth while addressing climate change.