As part of the international effort to combat climate change, Indonesia has committed to a set of climate actions under the Paris Agreement through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These commitments, which are updated every five years, form the basis for national strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and building climate resilience. Indonesia’s journey reflects both ambitious goals and significant implementation challenges as the country seeks to balance its economic development priorities with environmental sustainability.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, requires participating countries to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Countries are also encouraged to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. NDCs serve as the primary mechanism through which countries communicate their climate targets and outline specific actions for mitigation and adaptation. These contributions are meant to evolve over time, becoming progressively more ambitious.
Indonesia’s NDC
Indonesia’s initial NDC, submitted in 2016, set out a target to reduce GHG emissions by 29% through unilateral efforts and up to 41% with international assistance by 2030. This was followed by an updated and then an enhanced NDC (ENDC), which marginally increased the ambition to 31.89% unconditionally and 43.2% conditionally. These targets are framed against a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and are sector-specific, with primary contributions expected from forestry, land use, and the energy sector
Despite these pledges, Indonesia faces notable barriers in delivering on its commitments. One of the most significant issues is the continued dominance of coal in its national energy mix, which made up over 40% of the country’s energy supply in 2023. The energy sector remains the largest contributor to GHG emissions, particularly through coal-fired power plants. Although the government has introduced regulations to promote renewable energy development and set a phase-out date for coal by 2050, implementation remains sluggish, and the renewable energy share in the electricity mix remains below target levels
Another challenge lies in the land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector. While Indonesia has implemented moratoriums on forest concessions and improved forest management practices, deforestation driven by commodity expansion, particularly for palm oil, remains a critical concern. Weak enforcement of forest protection laws and the exclusion of secondary forests from moratoriums have limited the effectiveness of these policies
Decentralization and policy misalignment further complicate the implementation of climate actions. Indonesia’s governance system allows significant autonomy for regional governments, which sometimes leads to inconsistencies with national climate policies. Coordination among ministries is also an issue, often resulting in overlapping programs and inefficient resource use. Moreover, the prioritization of economic growth and poverty alleviation can conflict with long-term climate goals.
Adaptation and Climate Resilience Efforts
In terms of adaptation, Indonesia has integrated climate resilience into its national development planning. The adaptation roadmap focuses on strengthening economic, environmental, and social resilience across various sectors, including water, food, energy, and health. Strategies include improved spatial planning, local capacity building, and the integration of climate considerations into budgeting and policy formulation.
These efforts aim to minimize climate-related vulnerabilities and economic losses while enhancing ecosystem and community resilience. To move forward, Indonesia must address both systemic and technical obstacles. Strengthening inter-ministerial coordination, reforming fossil fuel subsidies, and streamlining regulations for renewable energy development are critical steps.
Equally important is the need to ensure that local governments are empowered and equipped to implement climate policies effectively. Public participation and private sector engagement will also be key to sustaining long-term change. Indonesia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement is clear, but commitment alone will not be enough. The success of its NDCs will depend on the country’s ability to align its development trajectory with climate priorities, enhance institutional coherence, and accelerate investment in sustainable infrastructure.
While the road ahead is complex, early and decisive action can ensure Indonesia not only meets its NDC targets but also contributes meaningfully to global climate stabilization. Want to ensure your carbon project complies with voluntary market regulations? Get comprehensive guidance to ensure your decisions are informed and aligned with global climate targets. Consult with experienced experts.
Author: Nadhif
Editor: Sabilla Reza
References:
Winning, M., Price, J., Ekins, P., Pye, S., Glynn, J., Watson, J., & McGlade, C. (2019). Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and the costs of delayed action. Climate Policy, 19(8), 947–958. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2019.1615858
Hastuti, I. S. (2024). Assessing Indonesia’s Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement: Identifying the Obstacles Indonesia has in Addressing Climate Change. In L. Warlina & S. Luckyardi (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Business, Economics, Social Sciences, and Humanities – Humanities and Social Sciences Track (ICOBEST-HSS 2024) (pp. 154–163). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-269-9_14