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Indonesia’s Climate Commitment Under Scrutiny Amid Paris Agreement Debate

Indonesia finds itself at a critical juncture in its commitment to global climate action following controversial statements from senior government officials questioning the country’s adherence to the Paris Agreement. The remarks, made in the wake of the United States’ second withdrawal from the landmark climate pact under President Donald Trump, have sparked a heated debate about fairness, national priorities, and the future of Indonesia’s environmental policy.

Just weeks after Trump’s announcement, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia’s special presidential envoy for energy and environment and younger brother of President Prabowo Subianto, suggested that Indonesia might consider following the US lead. Citing an “injustice” in the climate deal, Hashim argued that Indonesia, with annual carbon emissions of just 3 tonnes per capita, faces disproportionate demands to phase out coal-fired power plants compared to higher-emitting nations like the US. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration over external pressures to commit to the agreement while a key initiator like the US opts out.

These statements have raised alarm among environmentalists and policy analysts, who warn that such rhetoric risks undermining Indonesia’s credibility in global climate discourse. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement could not only isolate Indonesia diplomatically but also jeopardise access to critical international funding for climate adaptation and renewable energy projects—resources estimated to be worth up to US$62 billion annually until 2060.

A Question of Fairness in Global Climate Commitments

At the heart of the controversy lies a broader grievance shared by many developing nations: the perceived inequity of global climate negotiations. Indonesia, like much of the Global South, has long argued that wealthier nations with historically higher emissions should bear a greater burden in mitigating the climate crisis. The frustration is palpable in Hashim’s critique of the Paris Agreement’s demands, which he sees as unfairly targeting countries with lower per capita emissions.

Recent climate talks, including those in Egypt and Azerbaijan over the past two years, have done little to assuage these concerns. Outcomes from these summits have often been criticised as insufficient for addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable nations. For Indonesia, a country that experienced over 6,000 climate-related disasters last year alone, the stakes are extraordinarily high. Rising global temperatures, driven in part by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels like coal, exacerbate extreme weather events, threatening lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

Yet, while the critique of inequity resonates, many argue that withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is not the solution. “Exiting the treaty would be a step backward,” said Dr. Sari Widjaja, a Jakarta-based climate policy expert. “Indonesia risks losing not just funding but also its voice in shaping a fairer global framework. The answer lies in stronger advocacy, not abandonment.”

Coal Dependency and the Energy Transition Challenge

Central to Indonesia’s climate debate is its heavy reliance on coal, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Coal accounts for a significant portion of the country’s energy mix, powering industrial growth and meeting electricity demands. Minister Bahlil has defended this dependency, arguing that coal remains essential for Indonesia’s immediate energy needs. However, this stance clashes with the government’s stated goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2060, a target that necessitates a rapid transition to renewable energy sources.

Phasing out coal is no small feat for a nation where the fossil fuel industry is deeply entrenched, with close ties to political elites. Both Hashim and Bahlil are known to have connections to the coal sector, a fact that has fuelled criticism of their recent statements. Environmental activists argue that their remarks reflect a reluctance to prioritise green energy over short-term economic gains, despite the long-term risks of inaction.

The environmental cost of coal is undeniable. Emissions of carbon dioxide and methane from fossil fuels contribute to global warming, which in turn drives the extreme weather events that have battered Indonesia in recent years. Floods, landslides, and droughts have displaced communities and strained resources, underscoring the urgent need for a shift away from coal. While renewable energy alternatives exist, scaling them up requires significant investment—investment that could be at risk if Indonesia’s commitment to international climate agreements wavers.

Domestic and International Implications of Withdrawal

The potential consequences of Indonesia stepping back from the Paris Agreement are multifaceted. Domestically, such a move could derail progress on climate mitigation and adaptation, leaving the country ill-prepared for the escalating impacts of global warming. Internationally, it risks damaging Indonesia’s reputation as a responsible actor in the global fight against climate change. The US, already facing criticism for its repeated withdrawals, serves as a cautionary tale of the diplomatic fallout that can follow such decisions.

Moreover, Indonesia’s withdrawal could have a ripple effect across the region. As one of the largest economies in South East Asia, the country’s policies often set a precedent for its neighbours. A retreat from climate commitments might embolden other nations to follow suit, further weakening the collective resolve needed to address a planetary crisis.

On the financial front, the loss of international support for climate projects could be catastrophic. Funding tied to the Paris Agreement has supported initiatives ranging from rebuilding disaster-hit areas to expanding renewable energy infrastructure. Without this assistance, Indonesia’s ability to meet its energy transition goals would be severely hampered, potentially locking the country into a fossil fuel-dependent future for decades to come.

A Call for Leadership in Climate Negotiations

Amid the controversy, there is a silver lining. The Environment Ministry has reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to climate treaties, including the Paris Agreement, emphasising the tangible benefits of participation. The ministry’s stance offers a counterpoint to the scepticism expressed by Hashim and Bahlil, suggesting that the government is not yet ready to abandon its obligations.

Rather than retreating, many argue that Indonesia should seize the opportunity to assert itself as a leader of the Global South in climate negotiations. President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of positioning Indonesia as a regional and global leader aligns with this ambition. The upcoming climate conference in Brazil at the end of 2025 presents a critical platform for Indonesia to advocate for fairer climate financing and policies that prioritise the needs of developing nations.

To do so effectively, consistency in messaging will be key. The conflicting signals from senior officials undermine Indonesia’s credibility and weaken its negotiating position. A unified stance, grounded in a commitment to both national interests and global responsibility, could help Indonesia shape a more equitable climate framework—one that acknowledges the challenges faced by developing countries without absolving them of their role in the collective effort.

Balancing National Priorities with Global Responsibilities

The debate over Indonesia’s role in the Paris Agreement reflects a broader tension between national priorities and global responsibilities. On one hand, the country faces immediate economic and developmental needs that coal and other fossil fuels have historically supported. On the other, the long-term risks of climate inaction—ranging from environmental degradation to economic losses—demand a forward-thinking approach.

For now, the government appears to be walking a tightrope. While the Environment Ministry’s reassurances offer hope, the scepticism voiced by Hashim and Bahlil highlights the challenges of aligning diverse interests within a single policy framework. If Indonesia is to avoid being remembered as a contributor to the unabated climate crisis, as some critics fear, it must reconcile these internal contradictions and chart a clear path forward.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but it is also ripe with opportunity. By doubling down on its commitment to the Paris Agreement and championing the cause of the Global South, Indonesia can redefine its role in the global climate narrative. The question remains whether its leaders will rise to the occasion or succumb to the temptations of short-term expediency. As the world watches, Indonesia’s next steps will resonate far beyond its borders.

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