The House of Representatives (DPR) for the 2024-2029 term is working on legislation to enhance the implementation of carbon trading in Indonesia, as current regulations are deemed fragmented, according to Ecobiz.asia.
Darori Wonodipuro, a DPR member from the Gerindra Party, said during a webinar titled "Nomenclature of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in the Prabowo-Gibran Cabinet," held by Ecobiz.asia on Thursday (October 3) that carbon trading is an essential component of Indonesia’s climate change mitigation efforts.
“There are many regulations concerning carbon trading, but they are still fragmented. We in the DPR propose creating a law that covers regulations and law enforcement,” said Darori, who has been re-elected for the new term.
Darori explained that the proposal for a Carbon Trading Law had already been submitted by Commission IV to the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya, during a recent meeting discussing carbon trading and climate change.
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He emphasized that strong mitigation efforts would protect forests and the environment from various climate change-related disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and landslides.
Beyond climate change and carbon issues, Darori also stressed the need for the next administration to focus on biodiversity conservation. He warned about the potential loss of protected species of animals and plants.
Darori noted that DPR had recently passed Law No. 32 of 2024, an amendment to the Law on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems. Under this law, there are provisions regarding preservation areas in buffer zones surrounding forests to support flora and fauna protection.
“The Conservation Law also requires those utilizing state forest areas to allocate conservation funds for conservation activities,” he added.
Another important issue highlighted by Darori was waste management and pollution. He pointed out that around 30% of waste is still not being properly managed in Indonesia.
Additionally, Darori raised concerns about the minimum forest cover area in Watershed Regions. Under the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, the minimum forest cover requirement was removed, which he views as problematic.
Along with Darori, other speakers at the Ecobiz.asia webinar included Wiradadi Soeprayogo, Chairman of the Indonesian Sawmill and Woodworking Association (ISWA); Silverius Oscar Unggul, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) for Environment and Forestry; Dr. Sadino, a natural resource law lecturer from Al Azhar University Indonesia; and Zenzi Suhadi, Executive Director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi).
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
