Indonesia’s Bold Climate Commitments at COP29
At the ongoing COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, Indonesia is making headlines with its ambitious climate action plans. Representing President Prabowo Subianto, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments, Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo delivered a compelling speech outlining the nation’s vision for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. “I am representing my President, Prabowo Subianto, who unfortunately cannot attend this important event due to prior commitments,” Hashim stated at the outset of his address. He emphasized the President’s commitment to enhancing Indonesia’s climate initiatives and continuing the policies set forth by previous leaders.
Hashim Djojohadikusumo COP29 (photo credit: https://www.antaranews.com)
Hashim articulated President Prabowo’s vision for Indonesia’s economic future, declaring, “President Prabowo envisions economic growth beyond 8% per year and ensures green, resilient, and inclusive development for all of our people.” This ambitious economic agenda is closely tied to the country’s environmental goals, which include a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions toward net zero by 2060 or sooner, with the aim of avoiding 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions.To achieve these targets, Indonesia is shifting from fossil fuel-based development to renewable energy sources. “We are shifting from fossil fuel-based to renewable-based development with 75% of additional power generation capacity,” Hashim noted. He also highlighted plans for extensive infrastructure improvements: “Seventy thousand kilometers of smart transmission lines will be constructed to transmit energy across Indonesia’s main and most populous islands.”
The Indonesian government is set to develop a green smart grid that will add 42 gigawatts of wind and solar power, tripling the country’s energy capacity to a total of 75 gigawatts. “Affordable, clean energy will be provided to accelerate growth, create more jobs, ensure food security, and alleviate poverty for the people of Indonesia while balancing growth with environmental sustainability,” Hashim explained.In addition to energy initiatives, Indonesia is committed to reforesting more than 12 million hectares of severely degraded forest over time. “We will commence to reforest more than 12 million hectares of severely degraded forest over time,” he said. The plan also includes revitalizing degraded land to boost food production and protecting oceans through a prosperous blue economy. “Empower our local communities for climate resilience and quality green jobs,” he urged.
Hashim outlined three critical enablers necessary for achieving these ambitious goals: “A comprehensive green growth policy framework, which we are finalizing; massive investments of $255 billion; and international collaboration.” He stressed the importance of mobilizing global resources in technology, finance, and investment to form a united front against climate change: “We need to mobilize global resources in terms of technology, finance, and investment, forming a united front to combat global warming and reclaim humankind’s right to survive.”Highlighting Indonesia’s unique resources, he stated, “Indonesia is indeed blessed with extensive saline aquifers, which offer nearly 500 gigatons of carbon capture and storage capacity.” This potential has attracted interest from several multinational companies in developing multi-billion dollar projects. He further committed to establishing a robust carbon market: “We further commit to developing a robust carbon market, starting with optimizing Indonesia’s 557 million tons of verified carbon prints.”
In conclusion, Hashim emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts: “We must work together to provide a better future for our next generations.” As COP29 progresses, Indonesia is positioning itself as a leader in global climate action while addressing the pressing needs of its population and environment.With these bold commitments articulated at COP29, Indonesia aims not only to advance its national interests but also to contribute significantly to global efforts in combating climate change. The world watches closely as Indonesia takes steps toward realizing its vision for a sustainable future.
The UN Transcript of Hashim’s Speech:
“I am representing my President, Prabowo Subianto, who unfortunately cannot attend this important event due to prior commitments. He promises to enhance Indonesia’s climate action and continue the policies set out by his predecessors.
President Prabowo envisions economic growth beyond 8% per year and ensures green, resilient, and inclusive development for all of our people.This vision determines our ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions towards net zero by 2060 or sooner, and avoiding 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions.We are shifting from fossil fuel-based to renewable-based development with 75% of additional power generation capacity. 70,000 kilometers of smart transmission lines. will be constructed to transmit energy across Indonesia’s main and most populous islands.Indonesia will also develop a green smart grid, adding 42 gigawatts of wind and solar power, tripling energy capacity, totaling 75 gigawatts.Affordable, clean energy will be provided to accelerate growth, create more jobs, ensure food security, and alleviate poverty for the people of Indonesia while balancing growth with environmental sustainability.We will commence to reforest more than 12 million hectares of severely degraded forest over time, revitalize degraded land to increase food production, protect our oceans from a prosperous blue economy, and empower our local communities for climate resilience and quality green jobs.
Our efforts require three enablers. A comprehensive green growth policy framework, which we are finalizing. Massive investments of $255 billion and international collaboration. We need to mobilize global resources in terms of technology, finance, and investment, forming a united front to combat global warming and reclaim humankind’s right to survive.Indonesia is indeed blessed with extensive saline aquifers, which offer nearly 500 gigatons of carbon capture and storage capacity. Several multinational companies have expressed high interest in such multi-billion dollar projects. We further commit to developing a robust carbon market, starting with optimizing Indonesia’s 557 million tons of verified carbon prints. We must work together to provide a better future for our next generations.”