Ratri M. Siniwi Jakarta Globe 18 Oct 16;
Jakarta. Climate change is the greatest threat to development and a global action is required to learn how to adapt to its effects, especially in Indonesia, Rachmat Witoelar — President Joko Widodo’s special envoy for climate change control — said.
"Learning how to adapt to climate change is important because the earth’s climate has definitely changed, most of us can already feel the impact, so now we have to adapt to survive," Rachmat said in a speech at the 5th Asia Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum in Sri Lanka.
Rachmat said he is still optimistic that Indonesia can still transform itself into a great maritime country.
"Indonesia has already integrated climate change adaptation in its medium-term national development plan [RPJMN]," he added.
Rachmat said Indonesia has to learn climate change mitigation — and learn it fast — to be able to reach its goal of becoming a global maritime fulcrum, as the archipelago is prone to natural disasters such as floods, drought, crop failure, forest fires, typhoons and reduced fish populations.
The three-day forum is the fifth held by the Asia-Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN). This year it carries the theme "Adapting and Living under 2°: Bridging Policy and Practice."
The forum aims to increase awareness and understanding of climate change adaptation in the Asia-Pacific region, and explore concrete actions with relevant stakeholders, especially in the business sector.
