Indonesia's Climate Conundrum: Weighing Economic Growth Against Environmental Concerns
The world's fourth-most populous country is facing a paradox - rapid economic growth, but at a steep environmental cost. As the global temperature continues to rise, Indonesia finds itself in a precarious position, struggling to balance its commitment to climate action with its reliance on carbon-intensive resources.
Deforestation and peatland drainage have been major drivers of Indonesia's development model, reshaping landscapes through timber, pulp, and mineral excavation, as well as palm oil booms. The country produces 55% of the world's palm oil, a sector that contributes to GDP and employs millions. However, this growth comes at a cost - over 90% of Indonesia's energy still relies on fossil fuels, with coal dominating 70% of electricity production.
Indonesia is expected to submit its second nationally determined contribution (NDC) in September, aiming for a 31.89% emissions cut by 2030. However, critics argue that this plan is not ambitious enough and that the country needs to do more at home to address its environmental concerns. Tiza Mafira, Indonesia's director at the Climate Policy Initiative, notes that "the concept is good, but we need better governance and accountability."
Indonesia's commitment to climate action has been questioned by its reliance on coal, nickel, and palm oil. Satellites show new deforestation and fire hotspots in south Sumatra and central Kalimantan, while vast peat swamps continue to be drained for plantations, leading to pollution and devastating wildfires.
Despite the challenges, Indonesia is positioning itself as a voice for climate equity at Cop30 in Belém, Brazil. Officials will tout the new NDC as proof of ambition, highlighting its carbon-market potential to attract investors. The focus will also be on affirming the 2030 forest and other land-use (Folu) net sink target.
As Indonesia navigates this complex landscape, experts warn that near-term action is critical. The government's emissions' peak has already been pushed back to 2035, demanding faster cuts later. Indonesia hopes to secure clarity on its renewable targets and phase-out coal commitments at Cop30.
The world's fourth-most populous country is facing a paradox - rapid economic growth, but at a steep environmental cost. As the global temperature continues to rise, Indonesia finds itself in a precarious position, struggling to balance its commitment to climate action with its reliance on carbon-intensive resources.
Deforestation and peatland drainage have been major drivers of Indonesia's development model, reshaping landscapes through timber, pulp, and mineral excavation, as well as palm oil booms. The country produces 55% of the world's palm oil, a sector that contributes to GDP and employs millions. However, this growth comes at a cost - over 90% of Indonesia's energy still relies on fossil fuels, with coal dominating 70% of electricity production.
Indonesia is expected to submit its second nationally determined contribution (NDC) in September, aiming for a 31.89% emissions cut by 2030. However, critics argue that this plan is not ambitious enough and that the country needs to do more at home to address its environmental concerns. Tiza Mafira, Indonesia's director at the Climate Policy Initiative, notes that "the concept is good, but we need better governance and accountability."
Indonesia's commitment to climate action has been questioned by its reliance on coal, nickel, and palm oil. Satellites show new deforestation and fire hotspots in south Sumatra and central Kalimantan, while vast peat swamps continue to be drained for plantations, leading to pollution and devastating wildfires.
Despite the challenges, Indonesia is positioning itself as a voice for climate equity at Cop30 in Belém, Brazil. Officials will tout the new NDC as proof of ambition, highlighting its carbon-market potential to attract investors. The focus will also be on affirming the 2030 forest and other land-use (Folu) net sink target.
As Indonesia navigates this complex landscape, experts warn that near-term action is critical. The government's emissions' peak has already been pushed back to 2035, demanding faster cuts later. Indonesia hopes to secure clarity on its renewable targets and phase-out coal commitments at Cop30.
? Like, they're trying so hard to be the heroes, but sometimes I feel like they're just copying what we've already figured out in the States. Indonesia's got a tough spot to get through - their economy is literally burning rubber (literally, with those massive palm oil plantations) while still relying on fossil fuels for like, 70% of their electricity 
. I'm not saying they shouldn't be taking action - we all should! But sometimes you gotta wonder if they're just paying lip service to climate change, or if they really are genuinely trying to make a difference 
. And what about all those satellites showing new deforestation hotspots and wildfires? That's some next-level climate drama right there 
. They're trying to balance growth with saving the planet, but it feels like they're getting bogged down in the middle. All that deforestation and peatland draining is insane - can't we just find a way to make sustainable energy work? 
The fact that 90% of their energy comes from fossil fuels is crazy. I mean, what's the point of aiming for a 31.89% emissions cut if they're not making a real effort at home?
. I'd love to see Indonesia take a stronger stance on climate action, but it feels like they're just trying to smooth things over for the sake of investors and growth.
But can't we just cut straight through the red tape and make sustainable choices already?
What's the plan for actually reducing emissions then? They need to think bigger than just submitting some fancy NDC document and hope nobody notices 
. We all know palm oil and other industries are major drivers of deforestation, but what about the real solutions? Like, have they even considered a shift towards green energy or sustainable agriculture? 
I mean, Indonesia has the potential to be a climate leader, not just a follower 
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. They're all about that economic growth 
. Can't they see the connection between burning fossil fuels & rising temps? 
. the question is, will indonesia be able to make some real progress at cop30, or are we looking at more of the same old stuff? 
. And what about the palm oil boom? It's like they're profiting off our future at the expense of the planet. I mean, who needs satellite images of burning rainforests and pollution when you've got a sweet deal on palm oil? 
. And don't even get me started on their "climate equity" act – sounds like a load of hot air to me 
Indonesia's climate crisis is a major concern. They need to rethink their development model ASAP 
55% of palm oil production is crazy 
Can't have economic growth without environmental sustainability 
Indonesia's NDC isn't ambitious enough in my opinion 
They need to take drastic measures now, not just for their own future, but for the global climate 
Indonesia is like, right in the middle of this whole mess, trying to grow its economy while also taking care of the planet. It's like, what did we learn from the rise and fall of empires in the past? Like, the Mayans, the Greeks... they all had their own environmental issues before they went down 
Like, 2035 is still so far away, what about the people and wildlife suffering today? We need to see some serious commitment from Indonesia to reduce their emissions ASAP. 
And let's not forget that 31.89% target - it sounds like a good number on paper, but trust me when I say it's gonna be tough to meet. 
we need more action now 
We need to see some real cuts in emissions here, not just a fancy new plan that sounds good on paper 
and then there's palm oil, which contributes a lot to gdp, but it's also super bad for the environment. 
and then complaining about being bloated. just kidding kinda. seriously though, i think the country needs to prioritize renewable energy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels ASAP 
️. 31.89% emissions cut by 2030 might not sound like a lot but trust me it's better than nothing 
. they should focus on making their economy more sustainable instead of just trying to save face at cop30 
. and what's with all these deforestation and peatland drainage issues? can't they see the smoke from the fires 
. They're trying so hard to grow their economy but it's coming at a huge price to the environment 
. The fact that they need to push back their emissions peak to 2035 is a big deal 
. And don't even get me started on the deforestation – it's like they're cutting down trees as fast as they can to make way for more palm oil plantations 
. And what about those satellites showing new deforestation hotspots? That's some bad news 
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. Nowadays, I feel bad for Indonesia because they're stuck between economic progress and climate concerns. 55% of their palm oil production? That's insane! 
It's like, how can they expect to make a difference when they're still draining peat swamps left and right?
But at the same time, they're trying to be all eco-friendly by reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy