REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BAKU -- Environment Minister (LH) /Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, said Indonesia continues to take decisive steps in realizing the targets of the 2015 Paris Agreement ratified in 2019. That target will be pursued by strengthening partnerships.
At the 29th United Nations Climate Change Meeting (COP29) in Azerbaijan, Indonesia identified 19 key initiatives, comprising 14 negotiation aspects and 5 cooperation platforms to achieve more ambitious emissions targets.
“Indonesia's participation in COP29 is marked by a strong determination not to depend on aid or grants, but to focus on mutually beneficial partnerships,” Hanif said in a press release by the Ministry of Environment on Thursday (14/11/2024).
In a media briefing in Baku, Azerbaijan, Hanif revealed the UNFCCC negotiation process is indeed long. But there are concrete steps in cooperation with several partners to improve mitigation and adaptation actions in Indonesia, including carbon trading.
“We are taking advantage of the instruments that have come into operation from the Paris Agreement as well as bilateral cooperation in the field of climate change control. We will also urge the parties in Indonesia to move quickly to draw up a work agenda in concrete actions after COP 29 Baku that bring benefits to Indonesia,” he said.
Furthermore, Hanif underlined the importance of bilateral cooperation in reducing global emissions, one of them through transparent carbon trading, in particular article 6 of the Paris Agreement, on carbon credit trading.
One that has been implemented is the cooperation between the Indonesian and Japanese governments through the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) mechanism for the implementation of carbon trading cooperation. “I need to reiterate also the role of the carbon market is to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, for the achievement of the NDC, not for other economic purposes,” he said.
The Indonesia-Japan Mutual Recognition Arrangement announced to the international community at COP29 Baku became the first bilateral cooperation with MRA under the guidance of article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
“We will soon follow up implementation with the Japanese side, with a balanced proportion of utilization of cooperation,” Hanif said.
Indonesia also continues to encourage the use of renewable energy and develop certification schemes for carbon emissions through strict and standardised mechanisms, such as the Indonesian Emissions Reduction Certificate (SPEI).
The government also strives for a clear roadmap for emissions-contributing sectors to achieve certain emission limits, and encourages the forestry sector to develop carbon offset mechanisms. “So once again I reiterate, we are not here to ask for help, but rather to offer partnerships, methodologies, and cooperation in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Hanif said.
Indonesia is determined to complete a carbon trading roadmap within the next three months so that carbon trading in the country can run its course. With mature strategic and policy steps, Indonesia hopes to make a tangible contribution to global efforts to reduce the impact of climate change and ensure environmental sustainability in the future.