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Rachmat named special climate envoy
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has named former environment minister Rachmat Witoelar special envoy for climate change to bolster Indonesia's position at international environmental forums, says a decree dated May 10
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resident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has named former environment minister Rachmat Witoelar special envoy for climate change to bolster Indonesia's position at international environmental forums, says a decree dated May 10.
Rachmat will join noted expert Emil Salim, the President's special advisor for environmental problems, and Agus Purnomo, special assistant to the President for climate change affairs, in Yudhoyono's circle of climate counselors.
Rachmat is entitled to the same financial compensation and facilities given to other state ministers.
"The President wants Indonesia to play a larger role in climate talks," Rachmat told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
Rachmat said that the new position was needed to strengthen Indonesia's position at multilateral and bilateral climate talks.
At the level of international discussions, such as the UN Framework on Convention on Climate Change, the G20 or the Major Economic Forum, Indonesia should fulfill government pledges to cut emissions, Rachmat said.
Indonesia is the first developing country to commit to a 26 percent carbon-emissions reduction by 2020.
Indonesia has pledged a further 15 percent reduction if richer nations provide financial support. The government has promised Rp 83 trillion for the reduction pledge.
Australia, the US, Germany, Norway and several other countries have pledged to finance Indonesia's climate change programs, as previously reported.
The Norwegian government pledged US$1 billion (Rp 9 trillion)for a forestry sector carbon-trading program, and Yudhoyono is expected to talk at a climate forum in Norway in late May.
WWF Indonesia climate and energy director Fitrian Ardiansyah hailed Rachmat's appointment, but warned of overlapping lines-of-authority at climate talks.
"The position should promote national interests without negating functions of other officials," he said.
Rachmat is currently executive director of the National Council on Climate Change (DNPI).
The DNPI was established by Yudhoyono in 2008 as the government's lead climate change body, but its budget has been controlled by the Environment Ministry.
The 2009 Environmental Protection Law gave the environment minister the lead in Indonesia's climate change talks, but the DNPI continues to play the lead role in negotiations.
