Indonesia’s climate, economy and politics under the spotlight at 42nd Indonesia Update
Canberra, Australia — The 42nd annual Indonesia Update conference, held over the weekend (12-13 September) at the Australian National University, brought researchers, policy makers, civil society representatives and students together to examine Indonesia’s pathways for confronting climate change via mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development. The conference centred on Indonesia’s dual challenge: to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts, while also preserving social justice and economic growth.
Experts from both Indonesia and Australia addressed both the successes and obstacles in implementing climate policy in Indonesia. The conference was formally opened by Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC KC, who reflected on the event’s four-decade history as the largest annual forum outside Indonesia for informed debate on Indonesian affairs, and on its role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Among the most closely watched sessions were the Economic Update by Mari Elka Pangestu and Shiro Armstrong, the Political Update by Liam Gammon, and major keynotes by Mark Howden and Ross Garnaut. Over 350 people attended the conference in-person, with a Zoom audience in excess of 750 and over 2,000 people watching the livestream. The conference emphasised that policies alone are not enough: effective governance, funding mechanisms, local implementation, and community engagement are crucial.
Congratulations to Daju Resosudarmo and Budy Resosudarmo for convening this year's conference, “Navigating climate change in Indonesia: Mitigation and adaptation pathways”. A warm thank you to all who presented, attended, and supported the conference. We are excited to see you again at the next Update. Together, we look forward to a stronger future for climate action in Indonesia.
Recordings of the entire conference in both English and Bahasa Indonesia langauge can be found on the ANU Indonesia Project YouTube channel:
Conference slides and program will be uploaded to our ANU Indonesia Project Online Archive shortly. Stay tuned.
