Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, head of the Indonesian delegation to COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan, announced a new US$235 billion program that includes generating 75 GW of renewable energy from sources such as geothermal, hydropower, and nuclear energy. The government also announced its commitment to partner with multinational firms on Carbon Capture and Storage, emphasizing Indonesia’s huge carbon storage potential.
Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, 350.org Indonesia Team Lead comments:
“While it is good to hear that the Indonesian government is looking to increase its renewable energy capacity, we are worried about plans directed towards ‘false solutions’ or technologies that cause more harm than good. The plan to build a nuclear power center does not bode well because of its huge potential to endanger surrounding communities as well as the environment, as past nuclear disasters around the globe have shown. It is also costly to build and maintain. Resources could be better directed towards decentralized wind, solar, and microhydro energy production that have proven benefits to communities while generating additional energy capacity for the country.
Meanwhile, Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has no proven impact on emissions reduction and has long been unmasked as a scheme by fossil fuel companies to carry on with business-as-usual. Rather than keeping fossil fuels on the ground, CCS extends the life of the fossil fuel industry, with most of the carbon captured used to extract more oil through the process of Enhanced Oil Recovery. It is no wonder that oil giants BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil are in talks with the government for the development of CCS in Indonesia. This is especially worrying because Indonesia has not yet made a clear commitment to phase out fossil fuels as part of its national climate goals, and considering the Prabowo administration’s recent announcement of expanding oil and gas exploration.
We urge the Indonesian government to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 fairly. This means harnessing our abundant renewable energy potential for the interests of people, not profits. We will not stand behind large-scale renewable energy projects that harm communities and the environment, such as nuclear plants and large hydropower dams. We call for decentralized renewable energy projects to achieve community energy sovereignty, strengthen national energy security, and deliver genuine climate action that the world needs.”
Media Contact:
Ilang-Ilang Quijano
350.org Asia Communications Manager
ilang.quijano@350.org
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