Dr. Masyita Crystallin: Driving Indonesia’s Equitable Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy

One prominent Indonesian expert on climate policy and emissions reduction is Dr. Masyita Crystallin, who serves as the Special Advisor to the Minister of Finance of Indonesia on Macroeconomic and Fiscal Policy. She is also Indonesia’s Sherpa to the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action and holds board positions at the World Resources Institute Indonesia and the Indonesia Investment Authority.

Dr. Crystallin has been vocal about the need for Indonesia to align its climate ambitions with inclusive economic development. In a 2024 seminar, she emphasized that Indonesia must balance its economic and welfare priorities while strengthening its leadership in global climate governance.

In her vision, Dr. Crystallin advocates for a climate transition that is inclusive, affordable, and seamless, ensuring that economic growth and environmental sustainability are mutually beneficial.

Key initiatives and recommendations include:

Carbon Pricing Mechanisms: She has advocated for the implementation of carbon taxes and the establishment of a domestic carbon market through the Indonesian Carbon Exchange (IDXCarbon), aiming to create a vibrant carbon trading ecosystem.

Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM): Dr. Crystallin has been involved in developing the ETM Country Platform, which facilitates the early retirement of coal-fired power plants and promotes investment in renewable energy through blended financing.

Climate Budget Tagging: She has promoted the integration of climate-related expenditures into the national budget, enhancing transparency and accountability in climate finance.

International Collaboration: Dr. Crystallin emphasizes the importance of multilateral dialogue and cooperation in carbon mitigation, highlighting the need for harmonized policies and shared commitments to achieve global climate goals.

Dr. Masyita Crystallin’s leadership at the intersection of finance and climate action highlights Indonesia’s potential to become a global example of how developing economies can pursue low-carbon growth without compromising development goals. Her emphasis on inclusive and affordable climate transitions, paired with robust fiscal strategies, demonstrates a pragmatic path forward in reducing emissions. As the world grapples with the urgency of climate change, voices like Dr. Crystallin’s remind us that equitable and sustainable solutions are not only possible, they are essential.

Name: Dr. Masyita Crystallin

Title: Special Advisor to the Minister of Finance on Macroeconomic and Fiscal Policy

Affiliation: Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia

Email: masyita.crystallin@kemenkeu.go.id , indonesiaoffice@wri.org 

The post is submitted by Climate Scorecard Indonesia Country Manager Netra Naik.