Indonesia's Rapid Growth Comes with a Steep Environmental Cost
The country is facing a paradox: as one of the world's most populous nations and the sixth-largest greenhouse-gas emitter, it struggles to address its climate vulnerability. The rapid economic growth over the past two decades has been fueled by carbon-intensive resources at a high cost to the environment.
Deforestation, peatland drainage, and coal extraction have reshaped landscapes through timber, pulp, mineral excavation, and palm oil booms. Indonesia produces 55% of global palm oil, contributing 4.5% of GDP and employing over three million people. More than 90% of the country's energy comes from fossil fuels, with coal dominating, providing 70% of electricity.
Indonesia released its second nationally determined contribution in September, targeting a 31.89% emissions cut unconditionally or 43.2% with foreign support by 2030. The plan relies heavily on land-use change, including restoring 2m hectares of peatlands and rehabilitating degraded land. However, environmentalists argue that the plan is not ambitious enough.
The country has been involved in the UN's Redd+ program to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, but progress has been uneven due to disputes over land rights and verification. Indonesia is expanding its carbon markets and pitching them to investors at Cop30, positioning itself as a voice for the global south and pushing for climate equity and fair financing.
Indonesia faces increasing climate-related disasters threatening food security and traditional ways of life, including devastating floods, extreme heat, sea-level rise, coral bleaching, and sinking land. Indigenous communities often lack access to government social and health insurance due to their remote or forested locations.
The country's commitment to change is uncertain. Near-term action is critical, with the government's emissions' peak pushed back to 2035 demanding faster cuts later. Indonesia hopes Cop30 will offer clarity on its renewable energy targets, alongside firm commitments to phase out coal and preserve rainforests.
For many in the global south, Cop30 will revive the debate over who pays. Indonesia's negotiators are expected to push for expanded funding through the green climate fund and reforms to carbon markets to ensure local communities share the benefits.
The country must address its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which dominates electricity production and drives greenhouse-gas emissions. A shift towards renewable energy sources is essential to meet its emissions reduction targets and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Indonesia's progress will be crucial in determining the country's role in global efforts to combat climate change. With a growing population and increasing economic influence, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to promote sustainable development and environmental protection, rather than perpetuating fossil fuel dependence.
The country's future growth must be aligned with its commitment to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and preserving natural resources for future generations. Indonesia can no longer afford to ignore the environmental costs of its rapid growth, and it must take bold action to transition towards a low-carbon economy.
The country is facing a paradox: as one of the world's most populous nations and the sixth-largest greenhouse-gas emitter, it struggles to address its climate vulnerability. The rapid economic growth over the past two decades has been fueled by carbon-intensive resources at a high cost to the environment.
Deforestation, peatland drainage, and coal extraction have reshaped landscapes through timber, pulp, mineral excavation, and palm oil booms. Indonesia produces 55% of global palm oil, contributing 4.5% of GDP and employing over three million people. More than 90% of the country's energy comes from fossil fuels, with coal dominating, providing 70% of electricity.
Indonesia released its second nationally determined contribution in September, targeting a 31.89% emissions cut unconditionally or 43.2% with foreign support by 2030. The plan relies heavily on land-use change, including restoring 2m hectares of peatlands and rehabilitating degraded land. However, environmentalists argue that the plan is not ambitious enough.
The country has been involved in the UN's Redd+ program to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, but progress has been uneven due to disputes over land rights and verification. Indonesia is expanding its carbon markets and pitching them to investors at Cop30, positioning itself as a voice for the global south and pushing for climate equity and fair financing.
Indonesia faces increasing climate-related disasters threatening food security and traditional ways of life, including devastating floods, extreme heat, sea-level rise, coral bleaching, and sinking land. Indigenous communities often lack access to government social and health insurance due to their remote or forested locations.
The country's commitment to change is uncertain. Near-term action is critical, with the government's emissions' peak pushed back to 2035 demanding faster cuts later. Indonesia hopes Cop30 will offer clarity on its renewable energy targets, alongside firm commitments to phase out coal and preserve rainforests.
For many in the global south, Cop30 will revive the debate over who pays. Indonesia's negotiators are expected to push for expanded funding through the green climate fund and reforms to carbon markets to ensure local communities share the benefits.
The country must address its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which dominates electricity production and drives greenhouse-gas emissions. A shift towards renewable energy sources is essential to meet its emissions reduction targets and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Indonesia's progress will be crucial in determining the country's role in global efforts to combat climate change. With a growing population and increasing economic influence, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to promote sustainable development and environmental protection, rather than perpetuating fossil fuel dependence.
The country's future growth must be aligned with its commitment to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and preserving natural resources for future generations. Indonesia can no longer afford to ignore the environmental costs of its rapid growth, and it must take bold action to transition towards a low-carbon economy.
It's crazy how fast Indonesia is growing, but it's also super worrying that they're sacrificing their environment in the process 
. I mean, 90% of their energy comes from fossil fuels? That's like our carbon footprint multiplied by a million 
. And have you seen the deforestation and peatland draining they've been doing? It's heartbreaking to think about the impact on indigenous communities and the loss of biodiversity 
.
. They can't just talk about it, they have to put their money where their mouth is 
. And what's with the idea that rich countries will just pour in money for climate change mitigation? It feels like a Band-Aid solution 
.
. We need more countries taking bold action on climate change before it's too late 
!
I'm so worried about Indonesia's situation... I mean, 55% of global palm oil is insane! And they're still relying on fossil fuels at an alarming rate? 
It's like, what are the gov't doing to address this? We need more ambitious plans, not just a promise to restore some peatlands and rehabiliate degraded land... that's just too little, too late. 
And I'm sad for all those indigenous communities who are being left behind due to lack of access to basic services. We gotta think about the future, not just our own gains... climate change is no joke, you guys! 
. They're burning through fossil fuels like there's no tomorrow, and their deforestation rates are insane! 
And now they're trying to sell carbon credits to investors? It's like they think they can just greenwash their way out of this problem 
. Indonesia needs to step up its game and take real action on climate change, not just talk about it. We'll see how long that takes... 
gotta stop the palm oil industry ASAP 
.
. That's just crazy! They need to transition to renewable energy sources ASAP, and I hope Cop30 can help them with that 
.