Pantau Gambut Raises Concerns Over Indonesia’s Updated Climate NDC

The Indonesian peatland and environmental watchdog, Pantau Gambut, through its Research Manager Muhammad Syafiq Gumilang, expressed doubts about Indonesia’s commitment to simultaneously reducing emissions, boosting the economy, and improving social welfare. These targets are outlined in the country’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) document.

“In discussions about the economy, there is also talk about protecting nature and reducing emissions. That’s how it appears,” Syafiq said in a public discussion held in Jakarta on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Syafiq explained that Indonesia’s pattern of economic growth continues to rely on the pursuit of maximum profit, which often results in the excessive exploitation of natural resources and farmers’ labor. He said this tendency is clearly reflected in the Second NDC document.

“Everything in that document is based on the idea of maximizing profit,” he added.

According to Syafiq, current economic growth is no longer measured by how much additional income goes back to the people, but rather by market values. He believes that these profits mostly end up in the hands of wealthy individuals and large corporations that control vast areas of land across the country.

Syafiq also expressed skepticism that economic, social, and environmental benefits can be achieved simultaneously. He noted that economic growth typically requires higher energy consumption, which leads to increased emissions.

“Economic growth means using more energy and creating more emissions,” he said.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit updated national climate plans every five years. These plans usually include specific emission reduction targets and strategies for adapting to climate impacts.

After several delays, Indonesia submitted its Second NDC for the 2031–2035 period in October 2025, just weeks before the COP30 Climate Change Conference in Brazil.

Source : https://en.tempo.co/read/2067303/environment-watchdog-cast-doubts-in-indonesias-second-climate-ndc