PRESS RELEASE
February 4, 2025
350.org Asia: Indonesia must keep climate commitments despite US exit from Paris Agreement
350.org Asia raised concerns over recent statements made by Indonesian officials on the US’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the country’s energy transition. Indonesia’s special envoy for climate change and energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, said he considers the Paris Agreement ‘no longer relevant’ for Indonesia following the US exit initiated by President Trump; while Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said that it puts Indonesia’s energy transition in a ‘big dilemma’.
Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, 350.org Indonesia Team Lead says:
“The recent statement by Indonesia’s Climate Envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo, claiming the Paris Agreement’s irrelevance for Indonesia, represents a concerning departure from the nation’s climate commitments and scientific reality. This position not only contradicts established evidence — including the government’s own projection of a potential 40% GDP loss by 2050 due to climate impacts – but also undermines the only existing multilateral framework for addressing global climate change. The timing of this statement is particularly troubling given Indonesia’s increasing vulnerability to climate impacts and the Paris Agreement’s critical role in increasing international climate ambition across 195 countries.
“The recent statement by Indonesia’s Climate Envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo, claiming the Paris Agreement’s irrelevance for Indonesia, represents a concerning departure from the nation’s climate commitments and scientific reality.
Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, 350.org Indonesia Team Lead
The Indonesian government’s stance of downplaying the importance of the Paris Agreement appears to be heavily influenced by connections to the palm oil and coal industries. It reflects a reluctance to acknowledge the inevitable decline of fossil fuels and the environmental impact of deforestation. The government should instead embrace Indonesia’s abundant renewable energy potential and the economic opportunities it presents. A position that diverts attention away from the need for a just energy transition by questioning multilateral cooperation not only disregards Indonesia’s natural advantages in clean energy, but also alarmingly demonstrates how industry-aligned interests can impede necessary climate action and economic transformation.”
Norly Mercado, 350.org Asia Regional Director says:
“Last year, global temperatures broke historical records and breached the 1.5 degree limit for the first time. This had devastating consequences for climate-vulnerable countries across Asia, including Indonesia, which experienced unprecedented heat waves and intense typhoons. Indonesia should not abandon global efforts to save us from climate chaos just because the current US president has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement. It would betray a lack of understanding of what the Paris Agreement really is all about: for big polluters to owe up to their obligations to the people and the planet.
“Indonesia should not abandon global efforts to save us from climate chaos just because the current US president has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement. It would betray a lack of understanding of what the Paris Agreement really is all about: for big polluters to owe up to their obligations to the people and the planet.”
Norly Mercado, 350.org Asia Regional Director
Globally, Indonesia is the third biggest coal producer and the 7th biggest carbon emitter from fuel combustion. It shouldn’t hide behind the US government’s betrayal of global climate goals to renege on its own obligations. This includes important commitments made by new Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto during last year’s G20 and COP29 meetings to phase out coal plants in 15 years and build an additional 75 GW of renewable energy–pledges that not only the Indonesian people, but the rest of Asia is counting on.
The ‘dilemma’ being described by Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia is actually an opportunity for Indonesia, the newest member of BRICS, to step up its climate leadership and pressure Western nations to deliver their obligations to finance a just energy transition. Domestically, it can also redirect public money spent on fossil fuel subsidies towards renewable energy, as a way to fill in the gap left by unfulfilled US climate financial obligations. With its massive sun and wind energy potential and the increasing affordability of renewable energy technologies, Indonesia can achieve energy independence: but only if it rejects the path of fossil fuels, which is no longer a viable nor acceptable option, no matter who the sitting US president is.”
Media Contact:
Ilang-Ilang Quijano,
350.org Asia Communications Manager:
+639175810934, ilang.quijano@350.org