Indonesia Considers Exiting the Paris Agreement: What’s at Stake?
Indonesia is now questioning its commitment to the Paris Agreement, following in the footsteps of the United States, which recently withdrew. This move has sparked intense debate about Indonesia’s role in global climate action and the potential consequences of stepping away from the landmark agreement (Financial Times).
Background: What is the Paris Agreement?
Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a global effort to limit temperature rise to below 2°C, ideally to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. Under this agreement, Indonesia pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 31.89% through domestic efforts and up to 43.2% with international support by 2030 (Antara News).
The U.S. Withdrawal and Its Impact on Indonesia
In January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the second withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Agreement—a decision that sent shockwaves through the global climate community (Financial Times).
For Indonesia, this raises a serious dilemma. The country relies on international financial aid to transition to clean energy. Without U.S. participation, there are fears that funding for green projects may dry up, making it harder for Indonesia to meet its climate commitments.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has expressed concerns about whether Indonesia should remain in the agreement if a major polluter like the U.S. chooses to opt out (Antara News).
Reactions and Possible Consequences
Many environmental groups have condemned Indonesia’s reconsideration of its climate commitments. Organizations like Trend Asia warn that weakening climate policies could leave Indonesia more vulnerable to environmental disasters such as floods, wildfires, and rising sea levels (AP News).
Additionally, pulling out of the agreement could cut off Indonesia’s access to climate financing. For example, the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)—a $20 billion initiative led by the U.S. and other wealthy nations—was set to support Indonesia’s transition away from coal. If Indonesia withdraws, it may lose crucial funds for sustainable energy projects (Financial Times).
Why Staying in the Agreement Matters
Despite the challenges, many experts stress that Indonesia should remain committed to the Paris Agreement. As an archipelagic nation highly vulnerable to climate change, Indonesia has a lot to lose if global warming accelerates (Antara News).
Remaining in the agreement would also help Indonesia maintain its international reputation and ensure continued investment in green energy. Moreover, experts argue that moving toward renewables is not just about climate—it’s also about securing long-term energy independence and economic stability (AP News).
Conclusion: What’s Next for Indonesia?
The decision to stay or leave the Paris Agreement will have long-term consequences for Indonesia’s environment, economy, and global standing. In a time of increasing climate risks, experts urge Indonesia to strengthen its climate policies rather than weaken them.
While the U.S. withdrawal creates uncertainty, this should not be a reason for Indonesia to abandon its responsibilities. Instead, it’s an opportunity for Indonesia to take climate leadership, push for fairer international funding, and secure a more sustainable future(AP News).
I like how you brought up how the US pulling out of programs like this doesn't just affect the US, but other countries that get supported by them. I hope Indonesia pulls through and sticks to their guns to continue on their path for carbon neutrality.
ReplyDeleteWhile Indonesia's move may come across as outrageous, I cannot truly blame them either. As you said, if the US pulls out of it so readily, as a major polluter, why should other countries who don't contribute as much CO2 emissions be expected to remain in the agreement?
ReplyDeleteThat said, I still hope Indonesia strongly reconsiders. As a nation primarily consisting of islands surrounded by a rising sea, they stand to lose a lot in the event of a full blown climate catastrophe.
I'd agree, Indonesia will see drastic impacts probably sooner than the US because they do not have the means to be resilient.
DeleteWhile it is unfortunate that Indonesia is considering pulling out of the agreement it is not surprising with the recent funding cuts. I truly hope that they stick it out for another 4 years in the hopes that the next administration faces the climate crisis with intelligence and restores international aid. Alternatively, I know that the EU has taken a stronger stance against climate change, maybe there are opportunities for them to assist with international aid?
ReplyDeleteIndonesia's reconsideration of its commitment to the Paris Agreement, influenced by the U.S. withdrawal, poses significant risks to its climate goals and international standing, highlighting the need for the country to strengthen its climate policies and pursue sustainable energy investments for long-term resilience.
ReplyDeleteThe USA pulling out of the Paris Agreement does not just affect the USA. Why should other countries stay in the Paris Agreement if one of the world’s biggest polluter is not in it.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, this is a great point the US is one of the biggest polluters in the world so the us pulling out of the Paris Agreement is basically undoing the effects of the other countries and it is also unfair to the other countries why should we be in the Paris agreement if the US isn't.
DeleteLike in our book, developing countries are greatly impacted by climate change and get frustrated when bigger countries do not do their fair share of change.
DeleteThis just goes to show that when one of the countries with the biggest presence makes a bad decision other may follow suit because they feel like they have to. I always say that Americans, especially the government seems to be only concerned about themselves and never peek their head out to see what is happening elsewhere. I hope they can get the support needed elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteTrue, many developing countries rely on bigger ones, like the US, for aid in such projects. The financial needs to transition to cleaner energy are great.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting, I didn't realize the sort of waterfall effect the United States pulling out of the Paris Agreement would have. I thought that the ramifications would be relegated to the United States alone, I didn't realize how our funding and influence impacted other country's abilities to remain in the Paris Agreement.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that the US pulling out of the Paris agreement would have repercussions for other nations like Indonesia, thank you for sharing this important information
ReplyDeleteThe US has financial power, and should be using it to support total global change. And yet, its inability to participate in the global economy forces our country to be the laughing stock of disaster. I sincerely hope Indonesia does not pull out of the agreement, and that other foreign aid can assist in their energy transition, lest the whole world fall back to carbon emitting strategies.
ReplyDeleteThe way my jaw dropped when I read the first sentence. It's insane how much of an effect the U.S. has on the decisions of other countries. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellently written post. Honestly, you can't blame them for wanting out of the agreement when the largest perpetrators aren't holding up their end of the deal or providing help anymore.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if one of the reasons Indonesia pulled out of the agreement was because they did not expect that the $20 billion from the JETP would materialize.
ReplyDeleteThe detailed analysis of the challenges and the emphasis on the importance of staying committed to global climate goals make it a very compelling post
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating as it is that the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, especially now with this perspective that less fortunate countries are being effected. We will see these effects ripple as more countries are unable to implement these necessary sustainability developments.
ReplyDeleteI remember discussing this in class the other day, it's scary to think how intensely the United States forces and dominates other countries. Different countries have different abilities and pollution levels and don't all have the same output of pollution as well.
ReplyDelete