COP26: Jokowi Questioned Developed Countries' Contributions to Reach Net Zero Emission

While speaking at the World Leaders Summit on Climate Change or COP26, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) explained that with such great natural potential, Indonesia continues to contribute to climate change management.

“Deforestation rates have dropped significantly, the lowest in the last 20 years. Forest fires fell by 82 percent in 2020," said President Jokowi, at the Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow, Scotland, Monday (01/11/2021). 

President Joko Widodo delivers a speech at the COP26, in Glasgow, Monday (01/11/2021). (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev)

Not only that, Indonesia has also started the rehabilitation of mangrove forests covering an area of ​​600 thousand hectares until 2024, the largest in the world. Indonesia has also rehabilitated three million critical lands between 2010-2019. 

"The sector, which originally contributed 60 percent of Indonesia's emissions, will reach a carbon net sink by 2030," he added.

In the energy sector, Indonesia is also moving forward with the development of an electric car ecosystem and the construction of the largest solar power plant in Southeast Asia witch capacity of 145 MW. 

In addition, Indonesia is also utilizing new renewable energy, including biofuels, as well as the development of clean energy-based industries, including the construction of the world's largest green industrial area in North Kalimantan.

“However, it is not enough. We, especially countries that have large areas of green land and have the potential to be greened and countries that have large seas that have the potential to contribute carbon, need support and contributions from developed countries,” the President explained. 

The President ensured that Indonesia would continue to mobilize climate finance and innovative financing such as hybrid financing, green bonds and green sukuk.

According to President Jokowi, the provision of climate finance with developed country partners is a game changer in climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in developing countries.

“Indonesia will be able to contribute more quickly to the world's net-zero emissions. The question is, how big is the contribution of developed countries to us? What technology transfer can be provided? What programs are supported to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) targets that have been hampered by the pandemic?” Jokowi ask. 

In addition, the President continued, the carbon market and carbon price must be part of efforts to address climate change issues. A carbon economy ecosystem that is transparent and with integrity, inclusive and fair must be created. 

On the behalf of the Archipelago and Small Island State Forum (AIS), President Jokowi said that Indonesia was honored to be able to circulate a joint statement with the Leaders of the AIS Forum. "It is the AIS Forum's commitment to continue to advance maritime cooperation and climate action at the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)," he said.