On 18 July 2025, policymakers, climate experts, civil society representatives, private sector leaders, and development partners convened in Jakarta for a high-level meeting of the Friends of Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Led by Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment, the event marked the finalization of Indonesia’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (SNDC), a key milestone in the country’s climate policy framework. The SNDC serves as both a strategic national document and a formal submission under the Paris Agreement, linking climate ambitions with development priorities and reinforcing Indonesia’s role in global climate governance.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Climate Promise initiative, has been a steadfast partner in shaping the SNDC. By facilitating inclusive public consultations, strengthening monitoring and reporting systems, and supporting capacity building, UNDP has ensured that the SNDC is inclusive, participatory, and aligned with Indonesia’s Long-Term Strategy for Low Carbon and Climate Resilience (LTS-LCCR) 2050. Collaboration with ministries such as Environment, Forestry, and Marine Affairs, along with broad stakeholder engagement, has helped integrate social, environmental, and economic dimensions into the country’s climate planning.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Environment Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stressed that the SNDC represents both a developmental and political commitment. He highlighted its alignment with the “Asta Cita” vision and the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), which aims for 8% economic growth by 2029. He emphasized the need for institutional integrity and inter-sectoral collaboration to ensure that climate policy becomes an integrated part of Indonesia’s national vision.
A central theme of the meeting was Indonesia’s blue carbon agenda. Dr. Miftahul Huda of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries outlined progress on a national seagrass ecosystem map, a critical step in assessing carbon sequestration potential from marine ecosystems. Alongside this, the ministry is developing a roadmap for climate change mitigation in the marine sector, including carbon pricing mechanisms. Complementing these national policies is the seaBLUE project, which equips small-scale fishers with solar-powered or hybrid boats, reduces emissions, and lowers costs. By also offering technical training and certification, the project ensures sustainable, community-driven ownership and provides a scalable model of local climate action.
The Friends of NDC meeting underscored that climate action cannot be pursued in isolation. Forest protection, renewable energy, coastal management, agriculture, and social inclusion are interconnected and must advance together. The SNDC is therefore not just a technical document but a collective blueprint for action, bringing together ministries, institutions, communities, and international partners.
As Indonesia charts its climate future, the SNDC embodies the fusion of national ambition, local wisdom, and international cooperation. It signals a commitment to protecting ecosystems, empowering vulnerable groups, and aligning economic strategies with environmental sustainability. UNDP reaffirmed its ongoing support, with Senior Advisor for Natural Resources Raden Erwin Soeprastowo stressing the shared mission to turn climate ambition into real action—restoring ecosystems, empowering people, and building resilience from the nation’s coastlines to its most remote villages.
