UNFCCC Calls for "Global Gotong Royong," Supports Indonesia as Leader of Clean Energy Transition
- fpcindonesia
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
During Simon Stiell’s official visit, the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC stated his institution's readiness to become Indonesia's strategic partner in realizing its net-zero 2050 ambition and leading a just energy transition in the region and the world.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), called for a spirit of gotong royong (collective cooperation) and affirmed his institution's full support for Indonesia in its clean energy transition. This call was delivered in his keynote speech at the Indonesia Net-Zero Summit (INZS) 2025, organized by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) on July 26, 2025, at Djakarta Theatre, Central Jakarta.
Stiell's working visit to Indonesia focused on encouraging the enhancement of the national climate commitment, particularly through a more ambitious second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), aligned with the target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
An Opportunity, Not a Sacrifice
In his speech, Stiell debunked the narrative that climate action hinders development. "Climate ambition and economic development are not competing priorities. They are two sides of the same coin," he asserted. He stated that climate action is an opportunity to create jobs, attract investment, and achieve inclusive economic growth.
"Accelerating a just and clean energy transition in Indonesia will create a large number of new jobs and attract billions of dollars in new investment," said Stiell, while appreciating Indonesia's 40% increase in renewable energy capacity since 2019.
The Second NDC as a Blueprint for the Future
Stiell emphasized that Indonesia's second NDC, currently being drafted, could become the "blueprint for Indonesia's net-zero future." However, he reminded that the path to the 1.5°C target is still long. "To this day, fossil fuels still supply more than three-quarters of Indonesia's energy. This is still far from what science tells us is needed," he said.
His confidence in Indonesia's leadership remains strong. "You have the talent, resources, and momentum not only to lead in Southeast Asia but also to help shape the world's clean energy future," he added. He specifically highlighted President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to accelerating net-zero and the national emissions trading system as concrete steps.
Concrete UNFCCC Support and Call for Gotong Royong
Stiell affirmed UNFCCC's readiness as Indonesia's steadfast partner. "My team is ready. Together, we are here to work with you in designing, implementing, and realizing your vision of a sustainable Indonesia," he promised, including support in utilizing global carbon market mechanisms.
At the end of his speech, he invited all parties to practice gotong royong in facing this decisive decade. "Indonesia's success is not just a national victory. It is an example that others can follow," concluded Stiell.
Multistakeholder Support for More Ambitious Targets
The momentum from the speech was reinforced by the launch of a Joint Statement by the FPCI Climate Unit and all INZS 2025 partners. The statement urged the government to:
Formally set a Net-Zero 2050 target
Ensure the Second NDC is fully aligned with the 1.5°C pathway
The statement asserted that net-zero must become the collective vision of the entire nation and an integral part of Indonesia's national development agenda, as well as a source of pride for Indonesia on the world stage.
"This is the most important battle in human history. President Prabowo's legacy should be that of a President with net-zero climate. I believe we can still turn the situation around, despite all the losses we have experienced. Every country has a legal obligation to ensure we do not slide deeper into the climate disaster," stated Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Founder and Chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI).
Comments