The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025. This meeting is not just another annual event. Located at the “Gateway to the Amazon,” COP30 could mark a major turning point in the global energy transition, as well as a stage for developing countries like Indonesia to advocate for climate justice. For Indonesia, COP30 is a moment to demonstrate real climate commitment, strengthen leadership, and hold developed countries accountable.
What Is COP and Why Is It Important?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities to prevent dangerous interference with the Earth’s climate system.
COP meetings have been held annually since 1995 and are attended by all member countries of the convention. This is where nations negotiate to reach global climate agreements. One of the most significant outcomes was the Paris Agreement at COP21 in 2015, where countries agreed to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C and pursue efforts to keep it to 1.5°C.
In practice, however, many COP meetings have ended with political promises rather than concrete actions. Countries often prioritize economic interests, resulting in weak and unambitious agreements. This is why the effectiveness of COP as a global problem-solving forum is frequently questioned. Indonesia must play an active role to ensure COP30 is not just ceremonial but delivers tangible progress.
Why COP30 Matters for Indonesia
COP30 will serve as a critical moment for countries to renew and enhance their emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement. One of the key agendas is the Global Stocktake (GST), a comprehensive evaluation of global progress in addressing the climate crisis.
Brazil aims to make COP30 an “Implementation COP,” emphasizing real and measurable action. Its focus will include six main pillars, such as energy transition, industry and transport, and the protection of forests and biodiversity.
For Indonesia, two major issues will take center stage:
1. Energy Transition
Indonesia has immense potential for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. COP30 offers an opportunity to show that Indonesia is serious about shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy, not merely following global trends.
The government needs to present ambitious commitments, such as a clear roadmap for early retirement of coal-fired power plants, measurable targets for renewable energy development, and transparent, accountable use of financing mechanisms like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
2. Forest Protection
As the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest nation, Indonesia plays a crucial role in maintaining climate balance. Nature-based decarbonization efforts, such as forest conservation and restoration, must remain a diplomatic priority.
The government should also secure global funding to implement the FOLU Net Sink 2030 plan, which aims to make the forestry sector a net carbon absorber.
COP30 will be a test: will Indonesia truly lead global climate action or simply repeat old promises?
Can Developed Countries’ Promises Be Trusted?
The principle of climate justice is based on Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). This means developed countries, which have emitted the most greenhouse gases for decades, have a greater obligation to cut emissions and support developing countries through financing, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Developed nations once pledged to provide USD 100 billion in climate finance per year, yet actual delivery has fallen far short. Worse, much of the assistance has come in the form of loans rather than grants.
Therefore, at COP30, developing countries including Indonesia must take a firm stance:
Demand Accountability: Ensure the USD 100 billion commitment is fully met and increased.
Loss and Damage Fund: Guarantee that funding for climate-related losses and damages is accessible to vulnerable countries and sourced from developed countries’ obligations, not voluntary donations.
Transparency and Access: Advocate for direct access to climate finance for local governments and civil society, not only through large-scale projects managed by international institutions.
The key question is whether Indonesia can continue to rely on unfulfilled promises. If not, Indonesia must push for a fairer global financing system that does not hinder its economic growth.
Hopes After COP30: From Promises to Action
The success of COP30 will not be measured by the length of the negotiation documents, but by how effectively its outcomes are implemented at the national level.
1. The Voice of Civil Society
Civil society movements such as ARUKI and youth networks continue to demand that climate justice be at the core of policymaking. They call for protection of Indigenous communities, an end to environmentally destructive projects, and an inclusive acceleration of clean energy.
After COP30, the expectation is that the government will translate the conference outcomes into real policies, including the advancement of the Climate Justice Bill that centers people’s rights in policymaking.
2. Integration into National Policy
COP30 outcomes must be integrated into policy documents such as the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), spatial planning (RTRW), National Energy Policy (KEN) and other development frameworks, ensuring that climate targets are not just paper commitments.
3. The Role of Local Communities
Indigenous and environmental communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. They must be given space, support, and access to funding to develop community-based solutions while ensuring that the energy transition proceeds equitably and does not harm local livelihoods.
