Indonesia’s Climate Conundrum: Jobs vs. the Planet!
November 25, 2024
Ah, yes, it’s that time of year again! The United Nations climate conference — where the world’s leaders gather to discuss climate, inevitably run late, and produce deals that are about as effective as a chocolate teapot. And surprise, surprise, we find ourselves back in JAKARTA, where the air is thick with hot air and the smell of burnt petrol! Who needs clean air when you’ve got a robust economy, right?
This year, we see Indonesia, once again, looking at the climate crisis with all the enthusiasm of a cat at a dog show. I mean, come on, if you were expecting a dramatic change from the island that keeps producing the same old environmental policies, you must have just gotten off the boat from the “Denial” island. Hashim Djojohadikusumo—yes, that’s right, a businessman and a presidential envoy—took to the stage, and what a show it was! His plan? Create jobs, eradicate hunger, and toss the environment in like a side of chips. Yum!
Now, don’t get me wrong; tackling poverty is as noble as pulling a puppy from a burning building. Still, when you’ve got the UN Secretary-General referring to our planet’s current state as “global boiling,” you might want to reconsider your priorities. I mean, hurry up and save the planet before it gets so hot that even Australian crocodiles need to invest in sunscreen!
So, while Hashim proudly touts Indonesia’s ambitious target of 75 gigawatts of renewable energy, one can’t help but notice that he’s also quite keen on food estate projects. In layman’s terms, that’s code for clearing forests to grow rice, soy, and whatever else they fancy planting. Because nothing says sustainable farming like bulldozing through pristine rainforests! Bravo, Indonesia! The Nobel Prize for environmental backwardness is definitely in your future.
Can we have a moment to appreciate the irony? Here we sit, in an age where scientists are warning us that temperatures will rise beyond the catastrophic 1.5 degrees Celsius, and yet we’re planning to crank up our GDP like it’s the last party of the year! Because who cares for future generations when we can live rich today? It’s like buying a mansion while your house is on fire and calling the firefighters to admire your splendid decor.
Let’s get practical for a second. Instead of razing lush landscapes for the sake of food production, how about popping down to that already degraded land—which, I have to say, usually looks like a stressed-out teenager’s bedroom—and setting up shop there? Or perhaps support local food production rather than mega farms? It’s not rocket science! In fact, if you ask me, it’s more like “not launching the Titanic.”
Money is always a concern, isn’t it? But let’s flip the script: what if Indonesia led the charge on climate-change solutions? What if it fought tooth and nail for every other Global South country grappling with these problems? The world would sit up, take note, and possibly hand out a few more greenbacks to the nation with a heart!
So here’s a thought: how about Indonesia steps up its game? Protect those lush forests and stop treating them like an overflowing buffet! And sure, let’s not forget about a rapid and solid transition to renewable energy. Seriously, we can’t afford to be the country that watches the planet burn while we bend over backward to reach for those GDP growth numbers.
In conclusion, as Indonesia dances on this tightrope of economic growth versus environmental existentialism, the question must be asked: What’s the point of a thriving economy if the very world we live in becomes uninhabitable? It’s time to swap the fancy speeches for real, gritty action. Because at this juncture, Mother Earth could use a partner who doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk — or in this case, plants the trees!
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this commentary are purely anecdotal, however, they do contain a sprinkling of constructive cheek!
November 25, 2024
JAKARTA – Once again, the United Nations climate change conference has exceeded its intended schedule, culminating in yet another insufficient agreement regarding financing strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly highlighting the responsibilities of wealthier nations.
Indonesia, participating in the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, has again demonstrated a lackadaisical approach toward the pressing climate crisis.
During the summit, presidential envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo articulated Indonesia’s priorities, emphasizing a trifecta of creating jobs, eradicating hunger, and alleviating poverty, all while ostensibly being mindful of environmental concerns.
Despite proudly touting an ambitious target of generating 75 gigawatts of renewable energy in the coming years, Hashim staunchly defended the continuation of food estate initiatives. He justified these controversial projects, promoted by his brother, President Prabowo Subianto, as essential rights for Indonesia to enhance food security for its population.
Placing environmental issues at the tail end of the agenda reflects a governmental prioritization of economic expansion, particularly in light of President Prabowo’s declarations during recent international engagements, where he indicated his ambition for achieving an 8 percent economic growth rate as a strategy for combating poverty and hunger.
While the objectives of poverty reduction and economic stimulation are undeniably important, especially considering that over 10 percent of Indonesians live below the poverty line, this ambition should not come at the environmental cost during a period that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has termed “global boiling.”
Despite various efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, projections indicate that the world is on track to exceed the critical 1.5 degree Celsius rise in global temperature. Consequences of such a temperature increase would be catastrophic and irreversible, potentially leading to the loss of millions—or even billions—of lives due to escalating storms, droughts, and other climate-related calamities.
Instead of fixating on a steep rise in gross domestic product (GDP), Indonesia ought to strive earnestly for sustainable growth, defined by the United Nations as fulfilling present needs without jeopardizing the future generations’ ability to fulfill theirs. Achieving this goal necessitates a transition towards low-carbon economic activities.
For instance, rather than clearing pristine forests in Papua for expansive food estates, the government could prioritize utilizing previously degraded lands to establish agricultural projects. Moreover, promoting local food production as opposed to large-scale agriculture could effectively address food security, enhance local economies, and mitigate climate challenges simultaneously.
Although these sustainable initiatives will require substantial funding, they amplify the need for Indonesia to demonstrate robust commitment to climate crisis mitigation and adaptation, positioning itself as a prominent leader in global negotiations on environmental issues. By taking the initiative, Indonesia can champion not only its interests but also represent other Global South nations that are particularly susceptible to the dire effects of global warming.
Additionally, Indonesia’s commitment must be manifested through decisive action on the ground, particularly in efforts to safeguard the nation’s forests instead of allowing them to be cleared for agriculture or mining activities. Furthermore, the speed at which Indonesia transitions to renewable energy will serve as a crucial benchmark in assessing the country’s dedication to planetary preservation.
Ultimately, climate considerations should underpin Indonesia’s domestic and international policy frameworks, especially regarding economic matters. For what value is rapid economic growth if the very planet we inhabit is rendered uninhabitable?
In what ways does Dr. Santoso believe that Indonesia can reconcile economic development with its climate obligations, especially regarding controversial projects like food estates?
**Interview with Climate Advocate Dr. Maria Santoso on Indonesia’s Climate Strategies at COP29**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Santoso! Thank you for joining us to discuss Indonesia’s stance on climate change at the COP29 summit. It seems like the country is at a crossroads between economic growth and environmental sustainability. What are your thoughts on Indonesia’s recent priorities?
**Dr. Maria Santoso:** Thank you for having me! Yes, it’s quite concerning to see Indonesia emphasizing job creation and poverty alleviation while the climate crisis escalates. Hashim Djojohadikusumo’s focus on these economic goals reflects a narrow viewpoint that neglects the urgent need for integrated environmental strategies.
**Interviewer:** Hashim has claimed that Indonesia aims to generate 75 gigawatts of renewable energy. Do you think this ambition is sufficient given the current climate crisis?
**Dr. Santoso:** While a target of 75 gigawatts is commendable, it doesn’t address the larger issue at hand. It’s crucial to recognize that simply setting renewable energy targets isn’t enough if the country continues to support environmentally damaging initiatives, such as food estates that clear forests. These contradictions undermine genuine sustainability efforts and reveal a lack of commitment to truly protecting our environment.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the controversial food estate projects. How do you see this impacting Indonesia’s environmental responsibilities?
**Dr. Santoso:** The food estate projects reflect a critical misunderstanding of what sustainable agriculture should look like. Clearing forests disrupts ecosystems and contributes to carbon emissions. Instead of continuing down this path, Indonesia could focus on sustainable farming practices and restoring degraded lands. The opportunity to lead in climate action could also open new avenues for funding and international support.
**Interviewer:** Given the statements from President Prabowo regarding economic growth, how can wealthier nations play a role in supporting countries like Indonesia in transitioning to a greener economy?
**Dr. Santoso:** Wealthier nations have a moral and practical responsibility to help nations like Indonesia implement climate solutions. This includes not only financial support but also technology transfer, capacity building, and acknowledging the historical responsibilities that led to our current climate crisis. A collaborative approach can empower Indonesia to pursue economic development while ensuring environmental protection.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what should be Indonesia’s priority moving forward in the wake of these discussions at COP29?
**Dr. Santoso:** Indonesia must prioritize a holistic approach that includes sustainable development goals alongside climate action. This means protecting natural resources for future generations while finding innovative ways to improve food security and reduce poverty—without sacrificing our forests and biodiversity. The stakes are too high for our environment, economy, and health for us to tackle these issues in isolation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Santoso, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Indonesia must strike a delicate balance between growth and sustainability in its ongoing climate strategies.
**Dr. Maria Santoso:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. It’s vital for all of us to engage in these discussions and advocate for meaningful change. The future of our planet depends on it.