Indonesia Poised to Lead Global Climate Diplomacy Amidst Mounting Crises

JAKARTA – Indonesia has been urged to seize a pivotal moment to emerge as a formidable leader in global climate diplomacy, particularly as escalating geopolitical turmoil and relentless global economic pressures reposition the transition toward net-zero emissions from a distant aspiration to an immediate, non-negotiable imperative. This compelling call to action resounded at the Indonesia Net-Zero Summit (INZS) 2026, a crucial independent climate forum, which convened at Balai Kartini in Jakarta on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Dino Patti Djalal, Chairman and Founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), inaugurated the summit with a stark warning: climate change has become "the greatest blind spot in world affairs" today. He lamented that amidst the clamour of ongoing conflicts in various regions, the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence, intensifying global trade competition, and a myriad of other pressing international challenges, climate change has regrettably receded down the hierarchy of global priorities. "It has become something that is interesting, but no longer considered urgent," Djalal observed, highlighting a dangerous complacency that threatens the planet’s future.

Against this disquieting backdrop, Djalal emphatically urged the Indonesian government to adopt a far more proactive and assertive role in international climate diplomacy. He specifically pointed to the Group of Twenty (G20), an international forum comprising the world’s major advanced and emerging economies, whose member states collectively account for nearly 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. As a key member of this influential body—alongside economic powerhouses like the United States, China, India, Germany, and the European Union—Indonesia possesses a unique platform to advocate for more robust climate action and to steer policy discussions towards tangible outcomes.

Djalal did not shy away from advocating for a candid dialogue with the United States regarding the profound ramifications of its past withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. He underscored that this decision, though reversed under a different administration, had undeniably inflicted harm upon the international community, including Indonesia. The historical precedent of a major global power actively promoting coal use—a highly carbon-intensive energy source—forces other nations, particularly developing ones, to shoulder a disproportionately greater burden of emissions reduction. "We hope they will listen," Djalal remarked, emphasizing the moral authority Indonesia holds in advocating for climate justice and responsibility from all nations, irrespective of their economic might.

Beyond the G20, Djalal outlined several concrete steps Indonesia could take to bolster its climate leadership. Active and influential participation in the upcoming 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkey, in November, was highlighted as a critical opportunity. The COP, as the supreme decision-making body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), serves as the primary global platform for negotiating and advancing international climate policy. Indonesia’s strong presence and clear agenda at COP31 could significantly shape global discussions and commitments.

Historically, Indonesia has vigorously championed forestry issues on the international stage, leveraging its vast tropical forests as a "comparative advantage." Djalal reiterated this strategy, noting, "The world has no greater natural carbon sink than tropical forests. That gives us considerable leverage in building international cooperation." Indonesia, home to the third-largest expanse of tropical rainforest globally, plays an indispensable role in global carbon sequestration. Its efforts in reducing deforestation, combating illegal logging, and promoting sustainable forest management are not just national priorities but global environmental services. By showcasing successful models and demanding commensurate international support for conservation, Indonesia can indeed forge powerful international coalitions and drive meaningful commitments.

Biodiversity, Djalal added, represents another formidable area where Indonesia possesses a distinct and globally significant advantage. Recognized as one of the world’s "megadiverse" countries, Indonesia harbours an extraordinary array of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. This natural wealth, he argued, provides fertile ground for building international cooperation and encouraging other nations to strengthen their commitments to conservation. "Biodiversity is one of Indonesia’s greatest assets. The international community is also willing to invest in biodiversity protection. In fact, there is already a global convention dedicated to conserving biodiversity," Djalal explained, referencing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). He further revealed, "I spoke with the Minister of Environment today, and he agreed that biodiversity is the answer," signalling a concerted governmental focus on this crucial aspect of environmental diplomacy.

Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, echoed Djalal’s sentiments, emphasizing Indonesia’s global significance due to its sprawling tropical rainforests and unparalleled biodiversity. Speaking on the sidelines of INZS 2026, Hidayat articulated the government’s comprehensive approach, stating that biodiversity loss is considered one of three major environmental crises that demand urgent attention, alongside climate change and pollution. He affirmed the current administration’s dedication, noting, "President Prabowo has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to tackling climate change, and the government’s efforts to mitigate its impacts have been underway for many years." Responding to the FPCI’s call for heightened climate diplomacy, Jumhur confirmed that the government is actively preparing its agenda for COP31, including developing a comprehensive carbon trading package that Indonesia intends to offer to the international community. This initiative reflects Indonesia’s ambition to leverage its natural capital and regulatory frameworks to attract green investment. "Many investors are already coming to Indonesia to support development through environmental restoration," he highlighted, pointing to a growing trend of climate-focused foreign direct investment.

The critical issue of expanding access to climate finance was a prominent theme throughout the summit. Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Faisal Malik Hendropriyono, during a lively panel discussion, acknowledged Indonesia’s imperative to play a more active role in multilateral agreements. He articulated a dual benefit: active participation not only reinforces Indonesia’s commitment to implementing tangible climate action beyond mere "paper commitments" but also significantly enhances the country’s access to much-needed climate finance. "Our active engagement on the international stage is crucial to closing Indonesia’s climate financing gap, because that gap remains enormous," Diaz asserted, underscoring the substantial financial resources required for mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building in a developing archipelagic nation like Indonesia. Estimates suggest that developing countries face a climate finance gap running into trillions of dollars annually.

Diaz suggested that Indonesia could strengthen its participation in various global forums, not just the G20, but also the expanding BRICS group, which now includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. While BRICS initially focused on economic cooperation, it has progressively integrated environmental issues into its agenda. Notably, its New Development Bank has been encouraged to allocate a significant 40 percent of its financing to green projects, presenting a substantial opportunity for Indonesia to secure funding for sustainable development. Furthermore, Diaz highlighted the strategic importance of engaging with forums that might not initially appear directly relevant but can ultimately benefit Indonesia, such as the Climate Mobility Forum. This platform, he explained, allows Indonesia to support other vulnerable nations grappling with climate-induced migration while simultaneously gaining greater access to international climate financing mechanisms tailored for adaptation and resilience.

International collaboration formed another cornerstone of the summit’s discussions. China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Liu Zhenmin, affirmed his nation’s readiness to collaborate with Indonesia and other countries in making greater contributions toward achieving global carbon neutrality. "Our journey toward net-zero is still a long one, but the future looks promising," Liu stated, reflecting a shared optimism for collective action. He elaborated on China’s extensive efforts in green energy projects, having cooperated with over 100 countries and regions. As of June 2026, China had formalized its commitment by signing numerous memorandums of understanding on climate change with developing countries under the framework of South-South cooperation, underscoring a growing network of climate partnerships. Given China and Indonesia are both major developing economies and significant emitters, their enhanced cooperation holds immense potential for regional and global climate progress, particularly in areas like renewable energy deployment and sustainable infrastructure.

The Indonesia Net-Zero Summit (INZS) itself served as a powerful testament to the growing grassroots movement for climate action within the country. Now in its fifth year, the INZS has evolved into a vital platform, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders—including government representatives, businesses, academics, youth, and civil society organizations. Its overarching goal is to foster collective ownership and drive joint action toward achieving net-zero emissions and strengthening climate resilience across Indonesia and beyond. The INZS 2026, held at Balai Kartini in Jakarta, attracted an impressive approximately 9,500 participants, a clear indicator of the burgeoning public interest and commitment to environmental stewardship. FPCI highlighted this year’s theme, "It’s Time to Deliver!", which aptly reflected the critical juncture at which global and national climate commitments must transition from aspirational declarations into concrete, measurable actions. The summit featured a stellar lineup of prominent speakers, including the aforementioned Minister of Environment Moh Jumhur Hidayat, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi, and China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin. Additionally, Ana Toni, CEO of COP30 Brazil, addressed participants through a recorded video message, reinforcing the interconnectedness of global climate efforts. From the opening session through to the event’s close, the main plenary, parallel sessions, and vibrant exhibition booths hosted by various partner institutions were consistently filled with engaged participants, with a striking majority being young people from universities across Indonesia.

This strong youth enthusiasm was a defining characteristic of INZS 2026. Muhamad Zaki, an International Relations student from Diponegoro University in Semarang, exemplified this engagement, stating he attended the summit with around 30 fellow students from various universities in his city. "I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of climate change and learn more about how we can help save the planet," he articulated, highlighting a generational drive for environmental knowledge and action.

Another participant, 22-year-old Tiara Rinelva, an environmental engineering fresh graduate from Andalas University (Unand), was drawn to the summit by her profound interest in environmental issues and sustainability. She described INZS as an ideal platform for exploring career opportunities within the rapidly expanding green economy. "I want to build a career in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability," Tiara shared, reflecting a broader trend among young professionals seeking purpose-driven careers. During one of the insightful panel sessions, she noted that she gained invaluable insights from seasoned professionals about the essential skills and competencies required to thrive in the burgeoning green jobs market, from renewable energy and circular economy to sustainable finance.

Zalwa Andini Putri, 24, provided further perspective on the heightened environmental awareness among younger generations. She emphasized that members of Generation Z now possess unprecedented access to information on environmental issues and climate change, making them inherently more aware of and responsive to these critical challenges. As a tangible example of climate action adopted by many young people, Zalwa cited the widespread practice of carrying reusable water bottles or tumblers to consciously reduce the consumption of single-use plastic. During her university years, Zalwa herself was actively involved in the Solid Waste Creative Team at Andalas University, where she engaged in crucial community outreach, environmental education initiatives, and practical waste management assistance programs for communities residing near the campus. Zalwa concluded with an optimistic outlook, expressing her strong belief that Indonesia will indeed achieve its net-zero target. Her optimism is rooted in "clearer government regulations, the continued growth of green jobs, the development of Indonesia’s carbon market, and stronger private-sector participation," all of which collectively create a robust ecosystem for climate action.

Indonesia, with its immense natural wealth, growing economic influence, and a vibrant, environmentally conscious youth population, stands at a critical juncture. The calls for it to step up as a leader in global climate diplomacy are not merely aspirational but reflective of its unique potential and responsibilities. By leveraging its comparative advantages in forestry and biodiversity, actively engaging in key multilateral forums, strategically expanding access to climate finance, fostering international collaborations, and empowering its dynamic youth, Indonesia can truly deliver on its net-zero commitments and significantly contribute to shaping a sustainable future for the planet. The Indonesia Net-Zero Summit 2026 served as a potent reminder that the time for incremental change is over; it is time for decisive action and transformative leadership.