The Conference of the Parties (COP) is an annual conference organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that brings together countries from around the world to discuss climate change issues and seek common solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts of climate change. COP29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024, involving nearly all UN member states, various international organizations, NGOs, scientists, and private sector representatives.
The COP29 agenda includes evaluating and updating emission targets, funding for developing countries, adaptation and mitigation strategies, green technology transfer, strengthening transparency mechanisms, and increasing the participation of the private sector and NGOs in global efforts to address climate change. Indonesia, as an active participant in COP since its inception, will be represented by a delegation from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bappenas, the House of Representatives (DPR RI), NGOs, academics, and other relevant parties.
At COP29, Indonesia will present plans to increase emission targets (NDCs), advocate for equitable access to funding, propose accelerating renewable energy transition, highlight efforts to reduce deforestation, and rally international support for green technology innovation. However, COP is not without debate, including differing national interests, burden-sharing for emission reductions, climate finance, compliance and oversight, climate justice, and transparency and reporting. Efforts to achieve COP targets include submitting NDCs, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) for energy transition, technology transfer, capacity building for developing countries, implementation and monitoring, and international cooperation.
In preparation for COP29, the Green Economy Caucus of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) organized a public discussion themed “Leading Up to COP29: In Solidarity for A Green World, National Energy Transition: Challenges and Achievements” in Jakarta on July 10, 2024. This discussion aimed to gather aspirations and formulate strategies for COP29, involving academics, NGOs, government officials, industry, civil society, and local communities. Key issues discussed included geothermal potential and challenges, environmental awareness, energy efficiency, the 2060 net zero emission target, biofuel utilization, and investment constraints in renewable energy. The discussion also emphasized the importance of energy efficiency and conservation as initial steps to support energy transition, and encouraged accelerating renewable energy with a distributed small-scale approach. Indonesia is committed to global efforts to address climate change through active participation in COP29 and various domestic initiatives. However, significant challenges remain, such as low environmental awareness, funding needs, and long-term investment in renewable energy. Therefore, international cooperation and green technology innovation are key to achieving emission targets and sustainable energy transition.
PUSKAPOL UI appreciates the public discussion organized by the Green Economy Caucus of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in preparation for COP29, as it listened to input from various stakeholders such as academics, NGOs, industry, civil society, and others. It is hoped that through such dialogues, the DPR can absorb as many opinions as possible from various parties on key COP29 issues, such as accelerating energy transition and efforts to achieve energy efficiency and the net zero emission target by 2060.
However, PUSKAPOL UI notes that the Government and the DPR RI, particularly Commission VII, still have much work to do regarding their commitment to accelerating energy transition, especially concerning regulations. Amidst preparations for COP29, which emphasizes commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency, the government and the DPR RI have yet to ratify the New and Renewable Energy (EBET) Bill. The delay in ratifying the EBET Bill indicates a lack of urgency in the proclaimed energy transition efforts. The EBET Bill, which should serve as a strong legal foundation to promote the use of renewable energy and ensure energy sustainability in Indonesia, is currently stalled. Therefore, the DPR RI and the Government must immediately address these obstacles and demonstrate concrete commitment through the ratification of the EBET Bill, to support the net zero emission target and more effectively address global climate challenges in accordance with COP agreements.
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