W

ith global climate change talks failing to create any legally binding instruments to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, Indonesia fights to cut its carbon emissions.  

Presidential special staff on climate change Agus Purnomo said Indonesia was currently on the right track for reducing CO2, adding that the government’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 26 percent clearly shows their positive outlook on enabling sustainable economic development.

“We will reduce 26 percent below the 2020 predicted level, with or without the international negotiation,” Agus said.

But experts have also said that to reach that target, the government and citizens must join forces because everyone contributes to emissions. As novelist Daniel Quinn said, “We’ve poured our poisons into the world as though it were a bottomless pit and nobody’s really doing anything about it.”

The issue of climate change has emerged as a vital threat to Indonesia’s environmental sustainability. The country’s exposure to floods, rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns could be potentially harmful to the Indonesia’s 17,000 islands.

“Potential is always there, but willingness is the issue here,” Dwi Ardhanariswari, an international relations expert from the University of Indonesia, said when asked if Indonesia could develop into a more environmentally responsive country.

One way for Indonesia to steer itself onto a greener path is for the government to make tough decisions about infrastructure and pollution.

“The government should have a more skilful way of handling businessmen,” Dwi said.

For example, if a new mall is about to be constructed, the government and the business associates should make the mall as green as possible.

A second example to help attain a more eco-friendly environment is for schools to adapt more “being green” activities in the classroom.

“If a student is required to use both sides of a piece of paper, they should comprehend that it is not just because they are reducing paper use, but they are actually helping the environment,” said Dwi.

Being green is a multi-faceted responsibility. The idea is to help people realize what they as global citizens should be aware of.

According to Hariyadi Wirawan, an international relations expert from the University of Indonesia, economic development sustainability is another major force in helping Indonesia become a greener country.

“The rules and regulations of the Kyoto Protocol are still a burden for our government. This matter deals with what policies the government issues and the amount needed for those issues to succeed,” said Hariyadi.

“We need to prioritize having a sustainable way of living. Then and only then will we achieve the desired target of being in concordance with the Kyoto Protocol,” Hariyadi added

The world is rapidly expanding and it is our choice to either rise with it or sit back and let it slip through our hands. Indonesia is a country that is constantly striving to become more developed. “There is a lot of potential, but is the government aware and willing to make the necessary changes?” Dwi said.