Indonesia has found itself at the crossroads of environmental conservation and industrial growth as it welcomes its newly appointed President Prabowo Subianto, who has made headlines with his bold initiatives aimed at boosting the economy. Yet, alongside these ambitious goals, environmental activists are sounding alarms about the potential toll on Indonesia's rich biodiversity and green commitments.
Earlier this week, President Subianto met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, where they discussed shared priorities including the transition to clean energy and sustainable agriculture. It was the type of diplomatic engagement meant to signal Indonesia's commitment to global climate goals. Yet, just weeks prior during his inauguration speech, Subianto focused less on environmental stewardship and more on economic pragmatism, declaring the country's intent to ramp up energy production and self-sufficiency.
Observers were quick to point out the disconnection between his international rhetoric and domestic policies. Environmentalists like Susan Herawati, secretary-general of the Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA), noted the presidency’s ambiguous stance, fearing it signals little attention to climate crises such as biodiversity loss and pollution. They argue this contradicts the global narrative surrounding climate actions and suggests Indonesia may double down on fossil fuel consumption instead.
Specifically, Subianto's administration is revving up the controversial "food estate" project, which environmental groups argue echoes historical patterns of deforestation without clear benefits to local economies. This program is just one of several initiatives concerning the burgeoning nickel industry, notorious for its detrimental impact on forests and ecosystems.
Indonesia’s reliance on coal remains alarming, with two-thirds of the nation's electricity still coming from this fossil fuel. The proposed transition to biofuels—burning processed plant materials—has its critics who argue it may be as or even more carbon-intensive than coal. This skepticism runs counter to Subianto’s vision of green energy transformation. Instead of reducing emissions, critics contend his plans might exacerbate existing environmental degradation.
Critics are also particularly wary of Subianto’s statements advocating for energy self-sufficiency rooted heavily in fossil fuels. He highlighted oil palm and coal as significant contributors to the country's energy needs. This approach raises concerns about Indonesia's commitment to international climate protocols like the Paris Agreement, which mandates countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Indeed, claims by the new government of energy transition miss the mark as they appear to promote not clean energy, but rather the continuation of business as usual. With plans to retire coal plants for large energy producers, there's little hope if the captive coal plants—those meant for specific industries—continue to proliferate and take precedence.
The Jakarta-based Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) warned against Subianto's energy policies, which seem to have little regard for scientifically-backed conclusions, including the necessity to cut coal-generated electricity drastically to meet climate targets. Indonesia reportedly risks overshooting its emissions cap by double by 2030, jeopardizing its international commitments.
While addressing the growing concerns over carbon emissions, the administration has introduced carbon trading as a climate policy solution. Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Subianto’s brother, represented Indonesia at the COP29 climate summit, promoting the nation’s capacity for carbon credits and carbon capture projects. Although some multinational companies are interested, critics argue this resembles commodification of the climate crisis rather than meaningful action. Uli Arta Siagian from the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) said such policies allow corporations to continue emissions by purchasing credits, sidelining the urgent need for effective environmental protection.
Beyond carbon trading, the administration’s emphasis on biofuels as cleaner energy alternatives is another point of contention. Under previous president Joko Widodo, vast sugarcane plantations were established, and the production of palm oil shifted significantly toward biofuel development, delivering yet another layer of complexity to Indonesia’s environmental challenges.
The proposed conversion of agricultural land to industrial biofuel production might require the establishment of millions of hectares of new oil palm plantations and can lead to extensive deforestation, threatening local communities and wildlife alike. By promoting bioenergy without sufficient safeguards against ecological harm, analysts question whether Indonesia can actually fulfill its climate responsibilities.
Despite international pressure and scientific evidence urging off coal dependency, Subianto's government seems poised to continue down this intrepid path prioritizing economic growth potentially at the cost of Indonesia’s environmental integrity. Activists maintain vigilance as they push back against policies they see as perpetuating harmful practices and endangering Indonesia’s ecological future.
Activists argue the risks posed by maintaining business as usual are too high, and this administration must heed the warnings from the scientific community if it hopes to steer the country toward sustainable growth. The juxtaposition of national interest against the backdrop of global climate action is becoming increasingly apparent as Indonesia navigates its future, leaving many anxious for what lies ahead under President Subianto.
