Over 70 local government representatives from 35 cities and regencies across Indonesia participated in a collaborative greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory training program jointly organized by ICLEI-Indonesia, WWF-Indonesia, Coaction Indonesia, and CDP Asia Pacific from May 14-17, 2024.
As part of WWF’s One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), the participating cities committed to climate reporting via the CDP-ICLEI Track platform received comprehensive training on GHG inventories across the 4-day program. The training covered methodologies and best practices across Waste, Energy, and Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sectors. Topics on Science-based Target Setting and Mitigation Action Prioritization were also covered, equipping officials with practical knowledge on how to drive sustainable practices.
“The OPCC initiative aims to empower local governments towards a sustainable, climate-resilient, net-zero future,” emphasized Dewi Lestari Yani Rizki, Director of Conservation at WWF-Indonesia.
The training aimed not only to enhance technical capacity but also to foster collaboration among local governments, enhancing their ability to contribute effectively to Indonesia’s ambitious climate goals. By understanding and accurately measuring local emissions, officials can better formulate and implement targeted mitigation strategies.
(In the picture) the facilitator engages with a group of local government officials during a GHG training activity on May 14, 2024.
The training sessions commenced with a high-level panel featuring senior representatives from key Indonesian ministries, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Fiscal Policy Agency of the Ministry of Finance. These discussions emphasized the critical role of GHG inventories in fostering low-carbon development and facilitating dialogue between local and national authorities.
“Local governments often struggle to interpret and apply provincial emission targets into actionable development plans,” noted Allan Rosehan, a resource speaker from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. “This integration is essential for cohesive climate action across all levels of governance.”
(In the picture) Selamet Daroyni, Senior Project Officer at ICLEI Indonesia, is seen facilitating technical assistance to local government staff during one of the sessions on May 15, 2024.
The Global Stocktake report presented at the COP28 in 2023 highlighted the significant contribution of Non-Party Stakeholders, including subnational governments, to achieving a substantial reduction of 20GtCO2e emissions by 2030. This underscores the strategic role of local governments in supporting national emission reduction targets.
Local Governments’ Challenges and Opportunities in Contributing to National GHG Emission Targets
As Indonesia strives to meet its climate commitments, local governments face both challenges and opportunities in reducing GHG emissions. President Regulation Number 98 of 2021 has mandated local authorities to conduct GHG inventories, establishing baselines, setting targets, and formulating mitigation plans. However, bridging the gap between provincial mandates and local implementation remains a significant hurdle.
Despite these challenges, the alignment of Regional Long-Term Development Plans (RPJPD) with National Long-Term Development Plans (RPJPN) presents an opportunity. This alignment process, though debated for its regional disparities, allows for the adaptation of national indicators to local contexts. For instance, using the Environmental Quality Index (IKLH) as a measure for GHG intensity reduction could empower local governments to tailor strategies effectively.
“This alignment not only ensures compliance but also fosters localized solutions to global challenges,” explained an expert from the National Development Planning Agency. “It encourages innovation and flexibility in how localities approach sustainable development and climate resilience.”
(In the picture) Local government officials engaged in interactive dialogue during Q&A sessions, discussing challenges and opportunities in addressing climate action and GHG emission targets.
Andi Arnolly Manalu, an official from the Development Agency of Jambi City, raised the necessity of organizing and strengthening institutions responsible for conducting GHG emission inventories at the local level.
“Decision-makers at the top management level within sub-national governments must continually educate themselves and fully internalize the significance of GHG emission inventories. This effort is crucial for reinforcing the implementation of policies and programs that make substantial contributions to reducing GHG emissions,” he added.
Arif Wibowo, Country Manager of ICLEI Indonesia, further elaborated the importance of GHG inventories in building baselines and providing accurate data for local emission sources. “This training supports national and international reporting obligations and facilitates access to climate finance,” he added. Wibowo also noted the role of ICLEI-TAP (Transformation Action Program) in assisting local governments with proposal development and relevant climate action strategies.
This collaborative initiative underscores Indonesia’s commitment to fulfilling its international climate obligations and supporting the national targets for reducing emissions. These targets include an unconditional reduction goal of 29% and a conditional target of 41%, while emphasizing contributions to local resilience and sustainable development.
