Status, Progress, and Implementation of SDG 13 and the Sendai Framework in Indonesia

Indonesia's Strategic Journey Towards Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction

indonesian climate action disaster risk reduction

Key Takeaways

Integrated Policies: Indonesia has embedded SDG 13 and the Sendai Framework into national policies, fostering a cohesive approach to climate action and disaster risk reduction.
Commitment and Progress: Significant strides have been made in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing disaster resilience, though challenges in policy alignment and funding persist.
Future Directions: Strengthening cross-sectoral coordination, investing in renewable energy, and empowering communities are critical for Indonesia to achieve its sustainability goals.

Introduction

Indonesia is at the forefront of integrating sustainable development and disaster risk reduction into its national framework. With its unique geographic position and economic landscape, the country faces both significant opportunities and challenges in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) focused on Climate Action, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This comprehensive analysis delves into the current status, progress, and implementation strategies of these frameworks in Indonesia, highlighting key initiatives, challenges, and future directions.

Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action

Progress and Implementation

Indonesia has actively engaged in achieving SDG 13, implementing various initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. As of February 15, 2025, the nation has undertaken 21 key activities related to SDG 13, including significant projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions in critical sectors such as the fertilizer industry.

Emissions Reduction Targets

Indonesia has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The country aims to achieve a 31.9% reduction unilaterally and up to a 43.2% reduction with international support by 2030. These targets are part of Indonesia's commitment to the Paris Agreement, though current policies require further alignment to meet the 1.5°C goal outlined in the agreement.

Corporate Contributions

In 2021, 42% of Indonesian companies reporting through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) set emissions reduction targets. These initiatives account for approximately 26.23 million metric tons of CO2e, which represents about 1.22% of Indonesia’s total projected emissions reductions outside of forest and land use sectors.

Net-Zero Commitment

Indonesia has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner. This long-term goal underscores the country's dedication to transitioning towards a sustainable and low-carbon economy, although achieving this target will require substantial policy support and investment in green technologies.

Corporate and Government Initiatives

The Indonesian government, in collaboration with the United Nations, civil society, academic institutions, and the private sector, has been pivotal in driving initiatives aimed at transforming economic development through environmentally friendly approaches. Key strategies include promoting renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing climate-smart agricultural practices.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite notable progress, Indonesia faces several challenges in its climate action efforts. Balancing rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability remains a significant hurdle, as does enforcing regulations against deforestation and managing climate financing. However, opportunities abound in leveraging community-based adaptation strategies, increasing investments in renewable energy, and scaling innovations in climate-smart agriculture and infrastructure.

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

Implementation and Progress

Indonesia has been a regional leader in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), particularly following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami. The country has developed a roadmap for implementing the Sendai Framework for the period 2015-2030, focusing on enhancing disaster resilience and reducing vulnerabilities.

Institutional and Policy Integration

Integrating the principles of the Sendai Framework, Indonesia has established coordination bodies at both national and local levels. These bodies ensure that disaster risk reduction policies are effectively managed and aligned with Sendai targets. Regulatory updates and the revision of national legislation have fortified disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and emergency response mechanisms.

Disaster Resilience Initiatives

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia focused on enhancing its disaster resilience systems. Systematic reforms have been implemented to improve disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that recovery efforts are robust and sustainable.

Integration with Sustainable Development Goals

Indonesia’s efforts under the Sendai Framework are seamlessly integrated into its broader SDG implementation. This integration is evident in national action plans and medium-term development strategies that emphasize both disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Challenges and Gaps

Despite advancements, Indonesia continues to grapple with challenges in its DRR efforts. Ensuring consistent funding, fostering coordination among various sectors and levels of government, and translating policy into effective local action remain persistent issues. Additionally, integrating DRR into land-use planning and urban development comprehensively is an ongoing need. Data gaps and limitations in risk modeling also hinder adaptive planning and timely decision-making.

Synergies Between SDG 13 and the Sendai Framework

Overlapping Objectives

Both SDG 13 and the Sendai Framework aim to build resilience and reduce vulnerability, albeit from different perspectives. Climate action under SDG 13 focuses on mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts, which can reduce the intensity and frequency of climate-related disasters. Similarly, the Sendai Framework emphasizes reducing the impact of disasters through robust DRR strategies. This synergy allows Indonesia to harness co-benefits in sustainability and resilience by integrating climate adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction.

Recommendations for Enhanced Implementation

Strengthening Policy Coherence: Bridging the gap between national strategies and local implementation through capacity building and resource allocation.
Boosting Investments: Increasing funding, particularly in green investments and disaster resilience financing, to support long-term initiatives.
Enhancing Data and Technology: Improving data collection, risk assessment, and leveraging innovative technologies such as remote sensing and AI-based forecasting to enhance early warning systems and planning.
Expanding Community Engagement: Ensuring that vulnerable communities are empowered to contribute to and benefit from DRR and climate adaptation programs.

Comprehensive Implementation Strategies

Policy Framework and Institutional Arrangements

Indonesia has incorporated SDG 13 into its national development agenda and climate policy instruments. The establishment of national and subnational climate change committees facilitates coordinated policy efforts and integrates climate resilience into local planning processes. Key policy documents, such as the National Action Plan for Climate Change Adaptation and the National Energy Policy, underpin these initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader development plans like the RPJMN.

Mitigation and Adaptation Measures

Mitigation initiatives in Indonesia focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the promotion of renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and combating deforestation. The country's active participation in international climate negotiations has resulted in updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Concurrently, adaptation measures are being implemented across various sectors, including agriculture, water resources, and urban planning, to bolster the nation's resilience against climate variability.

Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies

Indonesia's approach to disaster risk reduction involves modernizing early warning systems, strengthening risk monitoring frameworks, and scaling community-based DRR programs. Investments in infrastructure resilience, such as retrofitting public buildings and critical infrastructure, demonstrate a proactive stance towards mitigating disaster impacts. Additionally, regional and community engagement initiatives emphasize local capacity building and participatory risk planning, aligning with the Sendai Framework's emphasis on inclusive DRR.

Early Warning Systems and Risk Monitoring

The modernization of early warning systems and the enhancement of risk monitoring capabilities are central to Indonesia's DRR efforts. Leveraging technologies like remote sensing and AI-based forecasting has improved the accuracy and timeliness of disaster predictions, enabling more effective preparedness and response.

Integration with Economic Development

Indonesia's National Long Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045 emphasizes a transition towards a higher-value, globally integrated, lower-carbon economy. This includes systemic reforms aimed at fostering a green economy, enhancing disaster resilience, and promoting sustainable infrastructure development. The 2023-2030 SDGs Roadmap further accelerates SDG achievement by outlining specific targets and strategies to integrate sustainability into economic growth.

Community-Based Initiatives

Empowering communities is a critical aspect of Indonesia's DRR and climate action strategies. Community-based adaptation and disaster resilience programs ensure that local populations are actively involved in planning and implementation, fostering a sense of ownership and enhancing the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Challenges and Future Directions

Climate Action Challenges

Despite Indonesia's commitments, several challenges impede progress towards SDG 13. The Climate Action Tracker has rated Indonesia's climate policies as "Critically Insufficient," highlighting the need for more ambitious targets and actions to align with the Paris Agreement. Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability remains a persistent issue, compounded by high household electricity consumption and uneven electrification across regions.

Disaster Risk Reduction Challenges

In the realm of disaster risk reduction, Indonesia faces challenges in ensuring consistent funding and fostering effective coordination among various sectors and government levels. The integration of DRR into land-use planning and urban development requires comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, data gaps and limitations in risk modeling hinder adaptive planning and timely decision-making.

Future Directions

To overcome these challenges, Indonesia must focus on strengthening cross-sectoral coordination, increasing investments in renewable energy and disaster resilience, and enhancing data collection and risk assessment capabilities. Empowering vulnerable communities through education and participation in DRR and climate adaptation programs is also crucial for sustainable progress.

Technological Innovations and Data Utilization

Advancements in technology, such as the use of remote sensing and artificial intelligence, can significantly enhance Indonesia's capacity for early warning and risk monitoring. Improved data utilization will lead to more accurate risk assessments and informed decision-making, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of both climate action and disaster risk reduction initiatives.

Policy Coherence and Institutional Support

Ensuring policy coherence across various government levels and sectors is essential for the successful implementation of SDG 13 and the Sendai Framework. Strengthening institutional support through capacity building and resource allocation will facilitate the seamless integration of these frameworks into national and local policies, promoting a unified approach to sustainability and resilience.

Comprehensive Implementation Strategies

Strengthening Policy Frameworks

Indonesia's policy frameworks must continue to evolve to support the ambitious goals set under SDG 13 and the Sendai Framework. This involves revising and updating national legislation to incorporate robust disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures. Aligning these policies with international standards, such as the Paris Agreement, will enhance Indonesia's credibility and effectiveness in global climate action.

Enhancing Institutional Capacity

Building institutional capacity at both national and local levels is crucial for the effective implementation of climate action and disaster risk reduction strategies. Training programs, resource allocation, and the establishment of dedicated coordination bodies can facilitate better governance and more efficient execution of policies.

Investing in Renewable Energy and Green Technologies

Investment in renewable energy sources and green technologies is imperative for Indonesia to achieve its emissions reduction targets. Expanding the use of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Infrastructure

Implementing climate-smart agricultural practices and constructing resilient infrastructure are vital components of Indonesia's sustainability strategy. These measures not only contribute to emissions reductions but also enhance the country's ability to withstand and recover from climate-related disasters.

Case Studies and Key Initiatives

UNIDO Project for Carbon Emission Reduction

One of the notable initiatives includes the UNIDO project aimed at reducing carbon emissions in Indonesia's fertilizer industry. Announced on December 3, 2024, this project exemplifies practical approaches to climate action by targeting key industrial sectors and promoting sustainable practices that contribute to overall emission reductions.

Community-Based Disaster Resilience Programs

Indonesia has implemented various community-based disaster resilience programs that empower local populations to participate in DRR planning and execution. These programs focus on building local capacities, enhancing awareness, and fostering a culture of preparedness, thereby reducing the impact of disasters at the grassroots level.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

The government has launched several renewable energy initiatives aimed at increasing the share of clean energy in the national grid. Investments in solar farms, wind turbines, and hydroelectric projects are part of Indonesia's strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Future Outlook

Upcoming International Platforms

Indonesia is set to contribute to the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2025 (GP2025), where the progress on the Sendai Framework will be reviewed. Additionally, the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2025, scheduled for launch on February 18th, 2025, is expected to provide more detailed insights into the region's advancements and challenges in achieving the SDGs.

Long-Term Development Plans

The National Long Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045 will play a crucial role in shaping Indonesia's trajectory towards a sustainable and resilient future. This plan emphasizes inclusive and sustainable structural reforms, aiming to harmonize economic growth with environmental preservation and disaster resilience.

Enhanced Global Cooperation

Strengthening global cooperation and participation in international climate and disaster risk reduction forums will be pivotal for Indonesia. Collaborative efforts with international organizations, leveraging global best practices, and securing climate financing are essential components for accelerating progress towards SDG 13 and the Sendai Framework.

Conclusion

Indonesia has demonstrated a robust commitment to advancing both Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Through integrated policies, strategic initiatives, and active engagement in global platforms, the nation is making commendable progress towards mitigating climate change and reducing disaster-related risks. However, to fully realize these goals, Indonesia must address ongoing challenges such as policy alignment, consistent funding, and effective local-level implementation. By leveraging synergies between climate action and disaster risk reduction, Indonesia can build a more sustainable and resilient future for its people and ecosystems.