COP29: Indonesia’s moment to lead on climate action – Environment

from the bustling urban centers of Jakarta and Surabaya to the lush rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia has been profoundly shaped by its geography and natural resources. Today, however, your country faces an existential crisis that requires immediate, collective action. Climate change is no longer a distant threat to Indonesia; this is the reality we live in, and its impact becomes more and more severe every year.

As Indonesia prepares to step onto the world stage at COP29 in Baku, it finds itself at a critical juncture. Due to its extensive and fragile coastline, high population density and dependence on natural resources, Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal areas, while changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are disrupting agriculture and livelihoods.

This challenge is not unique to Indonesia. Many of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, including small island developing states (SIDS) and countries in the Global South, struggle with similar problems despite contributing the least to global warming.

As Azerbaijan hosts COP29, I encourage Indonesia to use this year’s conference as a platform to defend its interests and strengthen its role in global climate action. As President-designate of COP29, I encourage you to amplify the voices of your citizens and businesses, underscoring the shared need for a just transition that reflects the concerns of other developing countries.

COP29 is not just another international summit; This is a key moment for Indonesia to play a role in shaping regional and global climate policy. At the heart of our COP29 agenda is a commitment to raise the voices of the nations on the front lines of the fight against climate change.

We understand your challenges. In Azerbaijan, like Indonesia, we face our own climate crises, from droughts and rising temperatures to a shrinking Caspian Sea. We recognize that now is the time to act and that our vulnerability to climate change must be addressed without delay.

Indonesia’s defenselessness is undeniable. Extreme weather events, such as changing rainfall patterns, are already impacting agriculture and the food security of millions of people. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion threaten communities in low-lying areas, while cities like Jakarta, which is already sinking, face increasing risks from more frequent and severe flooding. This is not just a future crisis; it’s 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 has enormous potential for geothermal energy, providing a path to cleaner and 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 the green transition, and Indonesia needs global support to achieve it.

The main goal of COP29 is to amplify the voices of vulnerable nations. Although Indonesia is not a small island state, it shares common ground with many developing countries in the Global South. Climate change cuts across borders, but its effects are felt unevenly, with developing countries bearing the brunt.

During COP29, Azerbaijan will advocate for increased financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation, especially for countries like Indonesia that require support not only to reduce emissions, but also to protect communities from climate impacts. The new collective quantitative target (NCQG) for climate finance will be at the center of the discussion. This mechanism aims to mobilize greater financial resources to support developing countries such as Indonesia in their adaptation and mitigation efforts.

One of the key priorities of COP29 will be the implementation of Art. 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to work together to achieve their emissions reduction targets. For Indonesia, this is an opportunity to tap international carbon markets and secure financing to accelerate the transition to renewable energy such as solar and wind.

At COP29, Indonesia has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership not only as a country vulnerable to climate change, but also as a nation committed to finding solutions.

As you are on track to becoming one of the world’s largest economies, your country is already making long-term investments in green technologies.

Your renewable energy potential is enormous. The floating solar power plant in Purwakarta, West Java, the largest in Southeast Asia, is an example of your country’s commitment to clean energy. Expanding such initiatives will not only increase renewable capacity, but also attract investment in sustainable technologies.

Indonesia’s manufacturing sector, a key driver of GDP, can also play a key role in this transformation. The private sector will benefit from growing 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 would also make a significant contribution to achieving global climate goals.

When the world gathers in Baku in November, Indonesia will be a key player in the global climate dialogue. COP29 provides a platform not only to secure climate finance and negotiate emissions targets, but also to demonstrate that developing countries are key players in the fight against climate change.

By taking active steps, raising the voices of the most vulnerable communities and leveraging its resources for sustainable development, Indonesia can help shape a future where all countries, regardless of size and wealth, have an equal voice at the table.

As COP29 approaches, I invite the Government of Indonesia, 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 author is the COP29 President-designate and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan.

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