COP30 in Brazil: What Does It Mean for Indonesia?

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The upcoming COP30 Climate Change Conference, set to take place in Belem, Brazil, this November, has captured global attention. For Indonesia, this is more than just another climate summit; it represents a strategic opportunity to reinforce its standing on the global stage not merely as a developing country, but as an active contributor to climate solutions. In recent decades, Indonesia has faced the harsh realities of climate change: from increasingly frequent floods and prolonged droughts to the degradation of coastal ecosystems. In this context, COP30 becomes a pivotal platform for Indonesia to showcase its commitment to crafting a comprehensive and measurable National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

Currently, one of the government’s top priorities is to complete and submit the NAP document before the conference. This roadmap will lay out Indonesia’s planned adaptation actions across various sectors, including food security, public health, and coastal zone management. While mitigation efforts such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions have received considerable attention, adaptation has often been sidelined, despite its growing urgency. Ary Sudijanto, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, noted that the global average temperature has already exceeded the 1.5°C threshold, a signal that Indonesia must urgently reorient its national development strategies to be more resilient to climate risks^[Ref].

Drafting the NAP is no small feat. It demands cross-sectoral collaboration and a robust, data-driven approach. Fortunately, Indonesia is not starting from scratch. It already has valuable resources: experiences from local adaptation programs, an expanding climate data infrastructure, and increasing commitment from local governments to integrate climate resilience into medium-term development planning. Although the timeline leading to COP30 is tight, policymakers are confident that with focused coordination, the NAP can be finalized and submitted to the UNFCCC on schedule. This, in turn, could enhance Indonesia’s access to global climate finance, which tends to favor countries with well-defined and structured policy frameworks.

Beyond policy documents, COP30 is also a diplomatic arena. The world is demanding concrete actions over empty promises. Developing countries like Indonesia must assert their needs whether it be for financing, technology transfers, or capacity-building and ensure they are acknowledged in global negotiations. COP30 offers a unique chance for Indonesia to advocate for climate justice, while demonstrating the concrete steps it has taken and plans to take. Importantly, the success of such advocacy will depend on inclusive participation, engaging not only government bodies but also local communities, academics, and civil society groups to ensure the adaptation strategies respond to actual needs on the ground.

The conference also opens doors for strengthening international cooperation in areas such as research, clean technology, and climate education. As a tropical nation rich in natural resources, Indonesia holds vast potential for Nature-based Solutions—from mangrove restoration to rainforest conservation and climate-smart agriculture. If presented through a collaborative and evidence-based lens, these efforts could position Indonesia not only as a climate-vulnerable nation but as a strategic partner in the global climate movement toward a more sustainable future.

Nonetheless, there are persistent challenges. One of the most pressing challenges is ensuring that national-level policies are effectively translated into local-level actions. Many regional governments lack the technical capacity, data access, and financial resources needed to implement adaptation programs effectively. That’s why the NAP development process must carve out space for meaningful local participation listening to on-the-ground experiences and integrating traditional knowledge into formal planning. Without grassroots support, a national strategy risks becoming little more than a bureaucratic document with minimal real-world impact.

Climate finance remains a critical issue. Accessing global adaptation funds is still a major hurdle for many developing nations, Indonesia included. While institutions like the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund offer various financing schemes, the application processes are often complex and require significant administrative capacity. A well-structured NAP could streamline this process, allowing Indonesia to demonstrate the viability of its programs and secure the financial support necessary for implementation. Meanwhile, domestic funding mechanisms must also be strengthened, including state budget allocations and innovative partnerships with the private sector.

Another equally important task to tackle is public education and climate awareness. Not everyone understands what climate adaptation is or how climate change affects their daily lives. COP30 should be seized as an opportunity to elevate climate literacy among Indonesians. Large-scale, inclusive campaigns targeting especially the younger generation could lay the groundwork for a long-term adaptation movement. Ultimately, adaptation is not just about policy or technology, but also about changing collective mindsets and behaviors in response to a shifting climate.

As global temperatures continue to rise and climate impacts grow more complex, the question is no longer whether to act, but how quickly and decisively we can do so. COP30 will not be the end of Indonesia’s climate journey, but it marks a critical waypoint that could shape the nation’s trajectory in facing the climate crisis. Active participation, inclusive policymaking, and the courage to transform are essential if Indonesia is to stand strong amid the global climate storm. Moving forward, adaptation must be fully integrated into all aspects of development, not as an added burden, but as a core strategy for protect the well-being and resilience of Indonesian people.