Indonesia pledges energy transition — but the country’s new NDC says otherwise

Mongabay
Mongabay
2M ago
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Indonesia's new climate plan sets insufficient emission-reduction targets, contradicting President Prabowo Subianto's renewable energy pledges. This discrepancy raises concerns about the country's commitment to meaningful climate action.
Indonesia pledges energy transition — but the country’s new NDC says otherwise
A What happened
Indonesia's second nationally determined contribution (SNDC) under the Paris Agreement has been criticized for setting emission-reduction targets that are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C warming limit. While President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035 and phase out coal, the SNDC projects a 30% increase in emissions by 2035 compared to 2019 levels. This reflects a belief that deep climate action is incompatible with rapid economic growth. The SNDC's reliance on fossil fuels and modest renewable energy targets raises doubts about the sincerity of Indonesia's climate commitments. Critics argue that the government’s approach prioritizes economic stability over necessary climate action, risking a decade of high emissions and missed opportunities for a just transition to a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, the lack of public participation in the drafting process has led to concerns about the adequacy of adaptation measures and the recognition of Indigenous rights in climate policy.

Key insights

  • 1

    Insufficient emission targets: Indonesia's new NDC fails to align with 1.5°C climate goals.

  • 2

    Economic growth vs. climate action: The SNDC suggests a trade-off between economic growth and deep climate action.

  • 3

    Public participation issues: Lack of meaningful public input undermines the NDC's effectiveness.

  • 4

    Reliance on fossil fuels: The SNDC continues to prioritize fossil fuels over renewable energy.

Takeaways

Indonesia's new climate plan raises significant concerns about its commitment to genuine climate action, as it appears to prioritize economic growth over necessary emission reductions. Without a robust strategy for transitioning to renewable energy and meaningful public engagement, the country risks locking itself into a high-emission future.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation Climate & Environment Climate Change Energy