President Prabowo Emphasizes Indonesia’s Commitment to Global Climate Action and Transition to Renewable Energy

Rio de Janeiro, INTI – In a bilateral meeting held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s strong commitment to supporting global efforts to tackle climate change and transition towards renewable energy. This statement was made following discussions with United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) António Guterres.

President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia not only supports international initiatives to reduce carbon emissions but also has a long-term plan and the capacity to transition fully to renewable energy in its efforts to mitigate the increasingly concerning effects of climate change.

“The UN Secretary-General highly appreciates Indonesia’s position on several global issues, particularly climate change. Indonesia strongly supports efforts to take actions that reduce carbon emissions. We have the intention, the plans, and the capability to genuinely transition towards renewable energy,” President Prabowo remarked in a statement to the press after the meeting.

Indonesia's Commitment to Climate Change

President Prabowo’s statement underscores Indonesia’s serious commitment to addressing global climate challenges. As the largest Southeast Asian nation and one of the world’s largest carbon emitters, Indonesia plays a crucial role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy. This commitment is reflected in various government policies that focus on developing renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

According to recent data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Indonesia aims to reduce carbon emissions by 29% by 2030 through domestic efforts, and 41% with international support, as per the commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement. The government is taking significant steps in advancing renewable energy development and diversifying the national energy mix.

Indonesia as a Key Player in Renewable Energy Development

Indonesia is richly endowed with renewable energy potential, including geothermal energy, hydropower, solar energy, and bioenergy. The country is known for having some of the largest geothermal energy reserves in the world, with installed capacity reaching 28 GW, although only a fraction of this potential is currently utilized.

“Indonesia is now considered quite important, and the UN Secretary-General hopes that Indonesia will continue to take a proactive stance and offer support,” President Prabowo said in response to the UN Secretary-General’s appreciation of Indonesia’s efforts.

According to International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Indonesia has a total renewable energy potential that could reach 400 GW, but to date, only around 10% of this capacity has been tapped. This suggests a huge opportunity for Indonesia to significantly scale up renewable energy deployment and enhance its energy security and sustainability.

Indonesia’s Role in the Global Energy Transition

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his admiration for Indonesia’s commitment to international climate action. Guterres highlighted that Indonesia, as the largest economy in Southeast Asia, plays a pivotal role in creating sustainable energy solutions that can be replicated by both developing and developed countries.

“Indonesia has the potential to become a leader in the green energy transition. With the right support, this country can set an example for other nations to achieve net-zero emissions,” Guterres stated during the meeting.

President Prabowo also emphasized Indonesia’s dedication to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, meaning that the country plans to reduce its carbon emissions to near zero by that year. This aligns with Indonesia’s commitments made at COP26 and the government’s long-term plan to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

“We aim to achieve net-zero emissions. We are moving in that direction,” President Prabowo reaffirmed.

Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy Development

Despite the significant potential for renewable energy in Indonesia, there are still several challenges to overcome. These include financing, technology, and licensing procedures, which often involve lengthy processes and regulatory hurdles.

According to the World Bank, Indonesia’s renewable energy sector requires an estimated USD 1.5 billion per year in investments until 2030 to meet its targets. Furthermore, integrating renewable energy into the national power grid—currently dominated by fossil-fuel-based power plants—remains a significant challenge.

However, the Indonesian government has been taking proactive measures to address these challenges. Efforts include simplifying the permitting process for renewable energy projects and offering incentives for green developers. Notable projects currently under development include solar power plants (PLTS) in East Nusa Tenggara and hydropower plants (PLTA) in Sulawesi.

Indonesia’s Role in Global Climate Action

As part of its commitment to global climate change efforts, Indonesia is actively participating in various international forums related to energy and climate. Indonesia, as a member of the G20, continues to push for multilateral cooperation to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and meet the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition, Indonesia plays a key role in the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), which aims to promote renewable energy use and accelerate emission reduction efforts across Southeast Asia. The country is also supporting global initiatives for green economic transformation, involving strategic sectors such as transportation, industry, and agriculture.

“Indonesia is not only focused on achieving green energy domestically but is also committed to sharing its experience and technologies with other developing countries,” President Prabowo noted.

Indonesia’s commitment to combating climate change and transitioning to renewable energy is gaining momentum, with concrete steps already taken by the government and support from international partners. During his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that Indonesia will continue to play an active role in the global energy transition and work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

With its vast renewable energy potential, Indonesia is well-positioned to become a leader in green energy development, contributing significantly to global sustainable development.