Latest Reported Greenhouse Gas Emission Levels: 542 Metric Tons in 2018; an Increase of 313.47% From 1990 Levels (IEA)

In 2018, Indonesia’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions levels were at 542 Metric Tons, an increase of 313.47% from 1990 levels. While future projections of the country’s emissions have been made, few sources released precise numbers of total carbon emissions from 2019 and 2020.

In 2018, Indonesia was single-handedly responsible for 1.68% of global carbon emissions. Consumption of coal, oil, and gas energy was primarily responsible for these high levels with coal emissions being the most represented.

Indonesia’s GHG levels has been trending upwards over the last decade. After a short-lived reduction in 2009, 2013, and 2014, emissions are on the rise once more and continue to grow. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced measures of pollution because of the restrictions enacted on behalf of the country’s health measures. Economic inactivity and lockdown is expected to reduce Indonesia’s 2020 GHG emissions and despite conflicting figures from different sources, most agree that an overall decline can be expected.

Although the Indonesian government has proposed some policies actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, few have been implemented into practice. One exception is the B30 plan; implemented in January of 2020, this leading policy aims to curb carbon emissions specifically produced by fuel usage. This policy requires the Public Service Obligation sector to have a 30% biodiesel usage and increases the distribution of Indonesian biodiesel fuel worldwide.

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Activity Ratings

Emissions * / 4 stars

Indonesia’s carbon emissions level has seen a 50% increase from 2008 till 2018 figures.

Existing Policies ** / 4 stars

The Green Bonds Issuance will make important strides as it will provide a monetary incentive to invest in renewable energy. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been implemented so its impact cannot be measured yet. The demand for biodiesel has dropped along with palm-oil and other commodities produced in Indonesia due to the inactivity caused by the pandemic around the world. Due to this fact it is difficult to assess the impact of B30 in curbing emissions. Additionally, policies for economic revival are expected to overshadow environmental policies post COVID-19.

Combined Activity Rating *** / 8 stars

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This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Indonesia Country Manager Ruby Orim