Theresia Sufa, Jakarta – The United Kingdom and Indonesia are committed to expedite the transition toward a fair low-carbon economy and climate resilience. Both countries also agreed to cooperate in strengthening mitigation and adaptation of climate change, transparent carbon governance and the integration of low-carbon development at all levels of the government.

The cooperation initiative was covered by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero Ed Miliband and Indonesian Environment Minister and Environment Management Agency (BPLH) head Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on Friday on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) in Belem, Brazil, taking place from Thursday until Nov. 21.

After the signing, Hanif said the partnership was not only a country-to-country cooperation initiative but a joint declaration for the future of Earth. Indonesia is ready to become the world's strategic partner to push for clear solutions on climate change.

"The signing is an important milestone in strengthening Indonesian green diplomacy on the global stage," he said.

He added that the MoU strengthened Indonesia's position as a center of collaboration for global climate action. Nature-based solutions and technology must walk together to significantly reduce emissions.

"This partnership is not mere symbolical but will be soon implemented through exchanges of knowledge, joint project and technical trainings that are cross-institutions and cross-regions," he said.

Meanwhile, Miliband said that the UK was proud to partner with Indonesia, a country which claims to have a strong commitment on low-carbon development and tropical forest protection.

"This collaboration will accelerate the transition toward clean zero emission and strengthen the integrity of global climate action," he added.

Both countries also agreed to establish a joint steering committee (JSC) to ensure coordination, monitoring and evaluation of program work effectively and sustainably.

Through JSC, the Environment Ministry takes an active role to push for synergy between ministries, research institutions and regional administrations and extends low-emission technological cooperation and green investment in line with the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The UK expressed its interests in cooperation on mitigation in energy sector, forestry and other land use (FOLU), and carbon governance supporting sustainable global supply chain. On the other hand, Indonesia emphasized on developing Climate Change Law and facilitating the meeting of carbon sellers and buyers to expand a credible carbon trading access.

"We are optimistic that this cooperation will accelerate emission target achievement, strengthen carbon market integrity and push for the development of national green economic growth," Hanif said.

"These are not mere diplomacy but concrete steps toward a low-emission and fair future."

During the conference Hanif also announced that Indonesia is targeting a carbon transaction of up to 90 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent from forestry, maritime, energy and industrial sectors with an economic value potentially reaching Rp 15 trillion (US$898.57 million).

"The figure is very important to push for green economic growth and support a fair national mitigation. Diplomacy no longer stops at negotiation table, it is time for real implementation," Hanif said.

The cooperation also strengthens the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 110/2025 on Carbon Economy Value, which becomes the main legal framework for the development of national carbon market. Through the collaboration with the UK, the ministry aims to strengthen the integrity of carbon trading system, attracting green investment and accelerate achieving Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Other than strengthening carbon regulations and market, UK-Indonesia bilateral cooperation also opens opportunities for innovation in green investment, forest restoration and nature-based solution projects, which will strengthen national climate resilience and provide direct impact to the people's welfare at the site level.

Source: https://asianews.network/uk-indonesia-sign-mou-to-strengthen-climate-change-mitigation-at-cop30