PRESS RELEASE | November 21, 2024
350.org Indonesia reacts to Prabowo’s commitment at G20 to reach net zero by 2050, retire coal plants in 15 years
In a speech at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to retire all coal-fired power plants within the next 15 years or earlier than a previous target of 2056. Prabowo also expressed commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, or a decade earlier than the previous target. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest coal producers.
“We appreciate President Prabowo’s first statement as head of state on our net zero target, recognizing its alignment with the Paris Agreement. In particular, the commitment to retire coal power plants within 15 years represents a critical point for Indonesia’s energy transition.
But we must remain vigilant to make sure that the administration translates this commitment into action.”
Suriadi Darmoko, 350.org Indonesia Field Organizer reacts:
“We appreciate President Prabowo’s first statement as head of state on our net zero target, recognizing its alignment with the Paris Agreement. In particular, the commitment to retire coal power plants within 15 years represents a critical point for Indonesia’s energy transition. But we must remain vigilant to make sure that the administration translates this commitment into action. It can start by outlining concrete, measurable actions to phase out coal power plants and other fossil fuels in Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Our current NDC policy does not mention a fossil fuel phaseout and is insufficient to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees. For the past few years, we have also been burning fossil fuels at a rate faster than other countries. To achieve net zero by 2050, the Prabowo administration must not only retire coal plants, it must end recently announced plans to expand oil and gas exploration.
We must also ensure that our path to net-zero does not create negative consequences for the people and the environment. For instance, the 75GW of additional renewable energy capacity pledged by the government includes harmful projects such as large nuclear power plants.
Instead, Indonesia must strategically direct its renewable energy policies by leveraging our remarkable potential: 3,295 GW of solar, 155 GW of wind, and 95 GW of hydropower. These resources represent a transformative opportunity for sustainable energy development.
Critically, how we generate this energy is equally important. Our current centralized power generation model is inherently vulnerable—as demonstrated by past grid failures in Java—and these risks will only escalate with increasing climate and geopolitical challenges. The future of renewable energy must prioritize decentralized models that engage communities as active managers and owners.
A groundbreaking study by 350.org Indonesia and Celios reveals the profound economic potential of community-based renewable energy. Our research suggests that such an approach could contribute IDR 10,529 trillion (US$ 658 billion) to Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product over 25 years, and help lift 16 million people from poverty. This model not only accelerates climate action and expands energy access but also promises a more resilient and inclusive economic future.”
Notes to Editors:
- Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs are national climate action plans by each country under the Paris Agreement of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It embodies efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Countries are expected to submit their updated NDCs by February 2025.
Media Contact:
Ilang-Ilang Quijano
350.org Asia Communications Manager
ilang.quijano@350.org
+63 9175810934