Press Release
#FIGHTFOR1POINT5
Young People Call on the Government to Raise
Indonesia’s NDC Target to Be More Ambitious and Take Concrete Action
Jakarta, December 11, 2020 — Three series of actions organized by Extinction Rebellion (XR) Indonesia, Jaga Rimba, and the Jakarta Regional Executive of WALHI demand a serious and concrete commitment to save the Indonesian people from the climate crisis and to stop using coal. It has been five years since COP21 and Indonesia’s commitment under the Paris Agreement. Indonesia’s current, unambitious NDC targets will not keep global temperatures below 1.5 ⁰C. This online action, joined by individuals worldwide using the same hashtag #fightfor1point5
The campaign is taking place ahead of the 2020 Climate Ambition Summit, which will be held online by the UN on December 12, 2020. At the summit, all countries are expected to announce enhanced NDCs alongside non-governmental participants, as well as other commitments and plans related to short- and medium-term mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
“Indonesia’s commitment to fulfilling the Paris Agreement, as communicated in its NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) with a target of 29%—or 41% with international cooperation—is nothing more than an empty promise. This is because Indonesia’s current NDC targets actually place the country on a trajectory of a 3–4°C temperature rise. Moreover, current policies fall far short of the promises made. We challenge our leaders to speak and act honestly before the world for the sake of our future,” said Novita from Extinction Rebellion Indonesia
An analysis by Climate Action Tracker in September 2020 rated Indonesia’s policies as “Highly Insufficient.” The government’s National Recovery Program does not support low-carbon options and continues to prioritize coal-fired power plants.
“The emission reduction targets promised by the government are inconsistent with the policies currently being promoted, one of which is the construction of the coal-fired Jawa 9 & 10 power plant projects. If the government is truly serious about reducing emissions in line with its NDC targets, then new coal-fired power plant projects must be halted. A serious energy transition strategy must be implemented. Given that Java already has a surplus of electricity, there is no urgency for such development. Yet, clearing forests for coal mining and the loss of carbon sequestration functions are actually being given the red-carpet treatment,” said Rehwinda from WALHI Jakarta
“Our future depends on the decisions of today’s leaders. Right before our eyes, millions of hectares of Indonesia’s forests are being cleared in the name of investment by the oligarchy, leading to the loss of our true wealth—our biodiversity. What will we have 100 years from now? “We will continue to speak out and tell the truth,” stated Salsabila from Jaga Rimba.
“We are confident there is still hope if the government, industry, and other policymakers unite to treat the climate crisis as a genuine crisis and act with the safety of the people as a priority. We hope that Indonesia’s updated NDC will return to the right path and help limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C,” continued Salsabila.
Contacts:
- Novita, Extinction Rebellion Indonesia, 081288792529
- Salsabila, Jaga Rimba, 087770219200
- Rehwinda Naibaho, WALHI DKI Jakarta, 081319117808