Indonesia’s Environment Ministry has announced the drafting of a new Climate Change Law designed to promote sustainable and inclusive development. The proposed legislation specifically aims to shield vulnerable populations, including women and children, from the adverse effects of climate change.
Prioritizing Climate Justice and Adaptation
Franky Zamzani, the Environment Ministry’s Climate Adaptation Director, stated on Tuesday that the law will incorporate climate justice provisions. This focus is driven by Indonesia’s high exposure to climate risks due to its status as an archipelagic nation.
Zamzani emphasized that the government must move beyond mitigation measures by strengthening cooperation with various stakeholders to advance climate adaptation policies. He noted that, currently, “Indonesia does not yet have a truly inclusive legal foundation on climate change.”
According to Zamzani, the government is continuing its efforts to formulate policies that specifically protect those most vulnerable to environmental shifts.
Balancing Economic Growth and Governance
Achmad Santosa, Chief Executive of the Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative, has cautioned that development strategies focusing exclusively on economic growth could risk weakening the rule of law, governance and democracy.
Santosa argued that “a shift in the economic development paradigm is essential to address the climate crisis’ impact on migration, vulnerable workers, women, and children.”
Santosa suggested that the Climate Change Law should serve as a catalyst for revising other existing regulations, such as child protection policies and disaster management.
Broad Institutional Support
The effort to establish this legal framework is supported by a wide array of entities, including parliament, regional administrations, government institutions, and ministries that advocate for environmental protection.
Santosa added that Indonesia has seen a continued strengthening of public participation within the process of environmental policymaking.
Potential Next Steps
If passed, this legislation may lead to a comprehensive overhaul of how the state manages disaster response and protects children. It could also potentially trigger a shift in economic priorities to better support vulnerable workers and migrants affected by the climate crisis.
Further cooperation between the Environment Ministry and multiple stakeholders is likely to be necessary to finalize the adaptation policies mentioned by officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the proposed Climate Change Law?
The law is aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive development while protecting vulnerable groups, such as women and children, from climate-related impacts.
Why is “climate justice” being included in the legislation?
Climate justice provisions are being included because Indonesia is an archipelagic nation and is therefore highly exposed to climate risks.
Which groups are supporting the new law?
Support for the law has come from ministries backing environmental initiatives, parliament, regional administrations, and various government institutions.
Do you believe that economic growth and climate justice can be pursued simultaneously without compromising one another?
