Irsyan Hasyim, Jakarta – The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) officially opened on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Belem, Brazil, marking the event's return to the country that hosted the 1992 Earth Summit.
But as the talks begin, Indonesian civil society groups warn that the so-called "Forest COP" risks becoming another symbolic gathering lacking inclusivity and climate justice.
"In reality, deforestation continues to surge due to development and the expansion of extractive industries," said the People's Alliance for Climate Justice (Aruki) during the Indonesian People's Voice for COP dialogue in Jakarta on Monday.
Deforestation and exploitation in Papua
Maikel Peuki, Executive Director of Walhi Papua, highlighted the alarming situation in Papua, home to Indonesia's largest tropical forests.
"Papua contributes significantly to climate adaptation efforts, yet its forests are rapidly disappearing," he said.
According to Walhi, about 1.3 million hectares of forest in Papua were lost to oil palm plantations and mining between 2001 and 2019. The latest threat, Maikel added, comes from a National Strategic Project in Merauke, which cleared nearly 10,000 hectares of primary forest as of June 2025.
"The palm oil industry remains the second-largest driver, clearing 3,577 hectares in 2024," he said.
He noted that one major issue on the COP30 agenda is climate finance – designing frameworks to help developing nations face the impacts of global warming. Yet Maikel warned that current mechanisms remain far from equitable.
"There are still transparency issues and misuse of funds for misguided projects, while loss and damage become increasingly unavoidable," he said.
Sinking islands and unfair policies
From the small island of Pari, north of Jakarta, Asmania of the Perempuan Pulau Pari group shared how rising seas are already threatening their community.
"Pari Island has lost 11 percent of its land area and could sink by 2050," she said. "Tidal floods now occur for up to four months each year, ruining seaweed farms and reducing fish stocks."
She urged the Indonesian government and COP30 participants to ensure fair decisions for coastal areas and small islands.
"It's not only about protection from the climate crisis but also about revoking harmful policies such as the Job Creation Law, the Mineral and Coal Mining Law, and sea reclamation permits," she said.
Extractive industries and false solutions
Ahmad Subhan Hafidz, Executive Director of Walhi Bangka Belitung, raised concerns about reckless corporate permits for mining and plantations.
He said Bangka Belitung lost 460,000 hectares of forest between 2014 and 2020, with extractive licenses covering 70 percent of the region's land.
"Over 12,600 abandoned mining pits have triggered floods, droughts, and coastal erosion. Coral reefs also declined by 64,500 hectares between 2015 and 2017," Ahmad said.
He called for the government to review false climate solutions such as coal co-firing, energy plantation forests, and plans for a nuclear power plant on Kelasa Island, warning that these projects could worsen ecological damage.
Inclusion for persons with disabilities
Maria Un, representing Indigenous and Disabled Women's groups, noted that people with disabilities, who make up around 15 percent of the global population, remain excluded from climate negotiations.
"COP30 should recognize persons with disabilities as key actors in all negotiation pillars, including adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage, and financing," she said.
She emphasized that all COP processes must meet universal accessibility standards, including sign language, Braille, easy-to-read texts, and inclusive facilities.
Protecting small-scale fishers
Meanwhile, Gofur Kaboli, a fisherman from Ternate, North Maluku, called for stronger protection of small-scale fishers who face the brunt of extreme weather.
"Fishermen are the backbone of the nation, yet government responses to marine disasters are often slow compared to those on land," he said.
The Indonesian People's Voice for COP dialogue was part of the follow-up to the Indonesia Climate Justice Summit (ICJS) held by Aruki in August 2025.
The ICJS produced the People's Declaration for Climate Justice, a political resolution intended to amplify civil society demands for fair and inclusive outcomes at COP30.