As the world's nations gear up for this year's climate conference next month in the Azerbaijani capital, the COP29 president-designate sees that Indonesia has a prominent place at the table to present not just its voice, but also the voices of the most vulnerable countries, particularly those of the Global South, and strengthen its role in global climate action.
rom the bustling urban centers of Jakarta and Surabaya to the lush rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia has been deeply shaped by its geography and natural resources. Yet today, your country faces an existential crisis that demands immediate, collective action. Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Indonesia; it is a lived reality, with its impact growing more severe each year.
As Indonesia prepares to join the world stage at COP29 in Baku, it stands at a critical juncture. With a vast, vulnerable coastline, high population density and dependence on natural resources, Indonesia is particularly susceptible to climate change. Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal areas, while shifting rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures have disrupted agriculture and livelihoods.
This challenge is not Indonesia's alone. Many of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, including small island developing states (SIDS) and countries across the Global South, despite contributing the least to global warming, share similar struggles.
With Azerbaijan hosting COP29, I encourage Indonesia to use this year’s conference as a platform to advocate for your interests and strengthen your role in global climate action. As president-designate of COP29, I invite you to amplify the voices of your people and businesses, highlighting the shared need for a just transition that reflects the concerns of other developing nations.
COP29 is not just another international summit; it is a pivotal moment for Indonesia to play a role in shaping both regional and global climate policies. At the heart of our COP29 agenda is a commitment to elevating the voices of nations on the frontlines of climate change.
We understand your challenges. In Azerbaijan, like Indonesia, we face our own climate crises, from droughts and rising temperatures to the shrinking Caspian Sea. We recognize that the time to act is now, and that our vulnerability to climate change must be addressed without further delay.
Indonesia’s vulnerability is undeniable. Extreme weather events, such as shifting rainfall patterns, are already affecting agriculture and food security for millions. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion threaten communities in low-lying areas, while cities like Jakarta, which is already sinking, face growing risks from more frequent and severe flooding. This is not just a future crisis; it is happening now.
However, Indonesia is also home to vast tropical forests, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, which serve as critical carbon sinks. Moreover, your country holds great potential for geothermal energy, providing a pathway to cleaner, sustainable development.
Your rich biodiversity and economic promise offer opportunities to both mitigate climate change and build resilience. The world needs Indonesia to succeed in this green transition, and Indonesia needs global support to achieve it.
A key focus of COP29 is amplifying the voices of vulnerable nations. While Indonesia is not a small island state, it shares common ground with many developing nations in the Global South. Climate change crosses borders but its impact is felt unevenly, with the developing world bearing the greatest burden.
At COP29, Azerbaijan will advocate for increased adaptation and mitigation finance, particularly for nations like Indonesia, which require support not only to reduce emissions but also to protect communities from climate impacts. The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance will be central to the discussions. This mechanism aims to mobilize greater financial resources to support developing nations like Indonesia in their adaptation and mitigation efforts.
One of COP29's key priorities will be implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which enables countries to collaborate on meeting their emission reduction targets. For Indonesia, this is an opportunity to leverage international carbon markets and secure funding to accelerate the shift to renewable energy, such as solar and wind.
At COP29, Indonesia has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, not just as a country vulnerable to climate change, but as a nation committed to finding solutions.
As you are on track to become one of the world’s largest economies, your country is already making long-term investments in green technologies.
Your potential in renewable energy is vast. The floating solar power plant in Purwakarta, West Java, the largest in Southeast Asia, exemplifies your country’s commitment to clean energy. Expanding such initiatives will not only enhance renewable capacity, but also attract investment in sustainable technologies.
Indonesia’s manufacturing sector, a key driver of GDP, could also be central to this transition. The private sector stands to benefit from increasing global demand for clean energy and sustainably produced goods. Investments in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient supply chains would not only strengthen Indonesia’s long-term economic stability, but also contribute meaningfully to global climate objectives.
As the world convenes in Baku this November, Indonesia will be a key participant in the global climate dialogue. COP29 offers a platform not only to secure climate finance and negotiate emissions targets, but to demonstrate that developing nations are critical players in the fight against climate change.
By taking proactive steps, elevating the voices of its most vulnerable communities and leveraging its resources for sustainable development, Indonesia has the potential to help shape a future where all countries, regardless of size or wealth, have an equal voice at the table.
As COP29 approaches, I invite Indonesia’s government, business leaders and civil society to join us in Baku. Together, we can turn ambition into action and build a more resilient, sustainable future for Indonesia and the world.
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The writer is the COP29 president-designate and Azerbaijan’s minister of ecology and natural resources.
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