Enviro News Asia, Belém — Indonesia and the United Kingdom have entered a new phase of strategic climate cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on climate change, reaffirming both nations’ shared commitment to accelerate a fair, low-carbon, and climate-resilient economy.
The agreement was signed by Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister and Head of the Ministry/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) of the Republic of Indonesia, and Ed Miliband, the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, on the sidelines of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil.
“This partnership is not merely an intergovernmental cooperation but a joint declaration for the planet’s future. Indonesia is ready to be a strategic global partner in driving real solutions to the climate crisis,” Minister Hanif stated following the signing ceremony.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s green diplomacy, strengthening its role as a hub for global climate action. The cooperation will be implemented through knowledge exchange, joint projects, and technical training across ministries and local governments.
Minister Hanif emphasized that nature-based and technology-based solutions must advance hand in hand to achieve deep emissions reductions. “This partnership is not symbolic—it will be operationalized through collaboration that delivers tangible outcomes,” he noted.
Echoing this, UK Secretary of State Ed Miliband underscored the transformative potential of the collaboration:
“By joining forces with Indonesia, we demonstrate that bold climate action can build a better future for our children and grandchildren. This cooperation will help us align policies, unlock innovation, and create decent jobs while advancing shared climate goals,” he said.
The partnership encompasses climate mitigation and adaptation, transparent carbon governance, and the integration of low-carbon development planning across all levels of government. Both nations also agreed to establish a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) to ensure effective coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of programs under the agreement.
Through the JSC, Indonesia’s KLH/BPLH will foster synergy among ministries, research institutions, and regional governments, while expanding cooperation in low-emission technologies and green investment aligned with the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The United Kingdom expressed strong interest in supporting Indonesia’s mitigation programs in the energy, forestry, and land-use (FOLU) sectors, as well as transparent carbon governance to strengthen sustainable global supply chains.
Indonesia, in turn, emphasized its priorities, including the drafting of a Climate Change Law, development of high-integrity carbon markets, advancement of biodiversity credits, and facilitation of carbon trading meetings to expand access to credible international carbon markets.
“We are optimistic that this partnership will accelerate emission reduction targets, strengthen market integrity, and boost our national green economy. This is not just diplomacy—it is a concrete step toward a fair and low-emission future,” Minister Hanif asserted.
The MoU coincides with the ongoing COP30 Conference in Belém, where Indonesia reaffirmed its strategic leadership in global climate action. At the forum, Minister Hanif announced that Indonesia aims to facilitate up to 90 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent transactions across forestry, marine, energy, and industrial sectors — with an estimated economic value of Rp15 trillion.
“This figure is crucial for driving green economic growth and ensuring equitable national mitigation. Environmental diplomacy can no longer end at the negotiation table—this is the era of implementation,” he stated.
The collaboration also reinforces the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 110 of 2025 on Carbon Economic Value, which serves as Indonesia’s primary legal framework for developing a national carbon market. Through the partnership with the UK, KLH/BPLH seeks to strengthen carbon market integrity, attract green investment, and accelerate the achievement of Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.
“We will continue building global trust through transparent, fair, and results-based mechanisms. Indonesia aspires not only to participate in global conversations but to become a center of global solutions,” Minister Hanif emphasized.
Beyond regulation and markets, the MoU opens avenues for green finance innovation, forest restoration, and nature-based solutions (NbS) projects that directly enhance climate resilience and community welfare at the local level.
British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey welcomed the signing, saying:
“The UK is proud to stand alongside Indonesia at COP30 as we enter a new era of climate cooperation. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to accelerate climate action, build a high-integrity carbon market, expand green investment, and promote nature-based solutions that bring opportunity and prosperity to both nations. Ahead of the launch of the UK–Indonesia Strategic Partnership, we continue deepening collaboration across governments, finance, and industry to deliver climate innovation and resilient growth.”
Concluding the ceremony, Minister Hanif reaffirmed Indonesia’s readiness to lead by example:
“We cannot postpone the future. The world needs real action, and Indonesia stands ready to lead alongside partners who share our commitment to a better planet,” he said.
The signing of this MoU symbolizes Indonesia’s evolution from negotiation to implementation, positioning green diplomacy as a long-term development strategy — inclusive, competitive, and firmly rooted in sustainability. (*)
