Indonesia Needs More Regulations to Mitigate Climate Change: Expert

Devina Halim Jakarta Globe 12 Nov 16;

Jakarta. Insufficient infrastructure and a lack of provincial and national regulations on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are hampering Indonesia's efforts to address climate change, an urban development expert said.

University of Indonesia lecturer Andy Simarmata explained that the country is not the only one facing problems with high emissions from transportation and energy, as these sectors tend to contribute the most to climate change.

"Transportation has become a 'hot' sector to help in the reduction of flue-gas emission," Andy said.

Encouraging citizens to use public transport is one of the government's programs to mitigate climate change.

Andy gave Bogor, West Java, as an example where public minivans, locally known as angkot, are part of these efforts.

The regional government's project to reduce carbon emissions is not through the usual green spaces, but by revitalizing public minivans and assisting the drivers to become the city's primary mode of public transportation.

Compressed natural gas, an alternative to gasoline and diesel fuel, for use by angkot is not available in many cities due to cost. Energy becomes a problem when the technology to develop it is expensive.

"Budgeting for green projects is a big problem in the government's fight to combat climate change," he added.

According to Andy, the state budget is not enough to finance climate-resilient projects.

Andy believes Indonesia needs to reform its urban planning. He also suggested that the government needs to integrate its program with citizens, as they cannot do it on their own.

"It's not only about a sustainable program for the city, but we have to prepare and educate citizens too," Andy said.