Norway Gifts Indonesia $56 Million for Slashing Carbon Emissions

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Norway recently gave Indonesia $56 million for its success in reducing carbon emissions between 2016-2017.

Norway’s Rp 812 billion gift is part of its partnership with Indonesia in the Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program.

Between 2016 and 2017, Indonesia managed to cut 11.2 million tons of CO2eq (carbon dioxide equivalent). The global market price for carbon is $5 or Rp 72,617 per ton.

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“It was agreed that the 11 million tons or monetary value of $56 million or Rp 800 billion were linked to Indonesia’s achievement in upholding its commitment to reducing greenhouse gases,” said Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar on July 6.

Siti said there were several government policies that were issued to be eligible for the incentive.

In 2011, the Indonesian government issued a moratorium on land clearing in primary natural forests.

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The government has taken a staunch approach in enforcing strict laws related to the management of forest and land fires as well as deforestation.

Indonesia also introduced its energy development efforts through its B30 biodiesel plan. B30 biodiesel contains 30 percent palm-based fuel, which is the world’s highest mandatory mix.