Indonesia faces climate paradox: vulnerable to climate change yet sixth-largest global polluter

Indonesia stands at a critical crossroads in the global climate crisis, embodying one of the most striking contradictions of our time. Despite being among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, the Southeast Asian archipelago remains the sixth-largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions globally, largely due to its heavy reliance on coal energy and deforestation practices.

The climate impacts are already devastating local communities across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands. Traditional seasonal patterns that farmers and fishers have relied upon for generations are becoming increasingly unpredictable, disrupting food security and livelihoods. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, while extreme weather events—from prolonged droughts to severe flooding—are becoming more frequent and intense. For a nation where millions depend on agriculture and fishing, these changes represent an existential threat to both economic stability and cultural traditions.

Yet Indonesia’s economy remains heavily dependent on coal, both for domestic energy production and as a major export commodity. This dependence creates a complex challenge: the country needs economic development to lift its population out of poverty, but its current energy model contributes significantly to the very climate problems that threaten its future.

The path forward requires substantial international support and investment in clean energy alternatives. As Indonesia prepares for major climate negotiations, the global community must recognize that helping climate-vulnerable nations transition away from fossil fuels isn’t just an environmental imperative—it’s essential for global climate stability. Without significant financial and technological assistance, countries like Indonesia will struggle to break free from the coal-dependent development model that puts both their people and the planet at risk.