WASHINGTON (September 24, 2015) - Today, Indonesia released its new climate plan, or Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC). As the country with the fifth-largest greenhouse gas emissions, Indonesia’s climate commitment is an important piece of the global response to climate change. Indonesia will play an important role in the COP 21 process in Paris.

Following is a statement from Dr. Nirarta “Koni” Samadhi, Country Director of World Resources Institute Indonesia:

“Indonesia’s national commitment is encouraging and demonstrates the country’s seriousness to address this complex global challenge. The government has taken positive steps in the process of developing the INDC, but can be further improved with more details to ensure the plan’s effectiveness.

“The commitment to include ecosystem management and landscape restoration could considerably shrink the forested country’s carbon footprint if implemented effectively. The bold pledge to quadruple Indonesia’s share of renewable energy within a decade would be a major achievement, though further investment in coal-fired power would undermine this vision.

“It is commendable that the Indonesian government has now included an estimated projected baseline that allows a more full and accurate estimate of emissions its target will avoid. However, ahead of the Paris climate talks, we hope Indonesia will be even more transparent so stakeholders will have even more confidence about the scale of the country's efforts.

"On the whole, Indonesia’s climate plan is promising but more assurances are needed that the country will stay the course.”