Indonesia’s Climate Challenge: An Urgent Call for Action
Indonesia, known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, is facing a serious climate crisis. Recently, Bali experienced its worst floods in over a decade. This happened in what is typically the dry season, leaving many farmers’ crops underwater, roads turned to rivers, and sadly, 17 lives lost.
Despite being the fourth most populous country, many don’t realize Indonesia is the sixth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Over the past two decades, its economy has grown rapidly by about 5% each year. However, this growth has come at a significant cost to the environment, largely powered by fossil fuels. A staggering 90% of Indonesia’s energy comes from these sources, with coal accounting for 70% of electricity.
According to recent data, Indonesia produced an average of 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent annually from 2018 to 2020, contributing roughly 3.5% to global emissions. The challenge ahead is unplugging this growth from carbon emissions.
Putra Adhiguna from the Institute for Energy Economics has highlighted the ongoing loopholes in coal regulations, which have led to a surge in captive-power plants. These plants are mainly coal-fired and are often outside of state supervision, raising concerns about accountability and environmental impact.
The palm oil industry is another pressing issue. Indonesia produces 55% of the world’s palm oil, contributing around 4.5% to its GDP. While it provides many jobs, this industry has led to substantial deforestation and environmental degradation.
Deforestation in Indonesia is a massive issue, as the country holds 10% of the world’s remaining tropical rainforest. Even though deforestation rates have decreased recently, environmentalists remain cautious due to ongoing government plans that promote further land clearances for agriculture and biofuels.
One major concern is that climate change affects not only the environment but also food security and livelihoods. Indigenous communities are especially vulnerable, often lacking access to essential government services.
In September, Indonesia announced its second nationally determined contribution (NDC), aiming for a 31.89% reduction in emissions by 2030, or 43.2% with international support. However, critics argue that the plan relies too heavily on land-use changes and insufficiently addresses the need for driving down fossil fuel dependency.
Experts emphasize the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy. Despite Indonesia’s enormous potential for solar and wind power, renewables currently make up less than 15% of the energy mix. Adhiguna and others stress the importance of reinvesting fossil fuel profits into greener technologies.
As Indonesia prepares for COP30 in Brazil later this year, it is vital for the nation to not only present ambitious plans but also ensure effective implementation. The global community will be watching closely, considering how Indonesia balances its economic growth with a sustainable future.
In summary, while Indonesia grapples with the challenges of climate change and economic development, the pathway forward lies in commitment, accountability, and bold action. The effectiveness of these strategies will be crucial for future generations and for the global climate agenda.
