MADANI Friends, after updating its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) through the Enhanced NDC, the government is now preparing a Second NDC. So, do you think it is really necessary for the government to develop a Second NDC?
Read also: Understanding the Nationally Determined Contribution
A simple way to answer whether this step is important is by revisiting the essence of the previous document. Many observers have already pointed out that Indonesia’s NDC remains insufficiently ambitious.
The Climate Action Tracker has found that Indonesia’s NDC is not aligned with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that the current NDC commitments of all Parties—including Indonesia—are projected to lead to a global temperature rise of 3–4 degrees Celsius. On this basis, Indonesia’s NDC clearly needs to be strengthened, making the preparation of a Second NDC both necessary and urgent.
Beyond this, what other reasons make drafting a Second NDC so important and relevant?
Commitment to the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement sets a global target to limit the increase in average global temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Countries that have ratified the agreement are expected to submit and periodically update their NDCs as concrete steps toward achieving this goal. Developing a Second NDC demonstrates a strong commitment to fulfilling this global agreement.
The Need for More Ambitious Climate Mitigation
In 2023, the Global Stocktake delivered a “red report card” to the world for failing to sufficiently reduce emissions and slow global warming. Current climate commitments are projected to reduce global GHG emissions by only 2 percent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Yet, to keep warming within the safer limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius, global emissions must decline by 50 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
The outcomes of the Global Stocktake should serve as a reference for all countries, including Indonesia, to significantly enhance their emission reduction targets in ways that are more ambitious, equitable, transparent, accountable, inclusive, and participatory.
Strengthening Resilience to Climate Impacts
Climate change has already triggered severe impacts, including floods, droughts, extreme heat, storms, sea-level rise, and the loss of homes, livelihoods, and even cultural heritage. These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
Indonesia’s Second NDC must address these vulnerabilities, rather than focusing solely on emission reduction targets. Mitigation actions must be integrated with adaptation strategies to ensure that climate policies do not further weaken communities’ ability to cope with climate impacts.
Driving Sustainable Development
Preparing the Second NDC is not only about cutting emissions—it also shapes Indonesia’s future development pathway. By channeling investments into sustainable sectors such as renewable energy, mass transportation, and sustainable agriculture, the government can create new jobs, improve livelihoods, and reduce social inequality while contributing to emission reductions.
Global Influence and International Reputation
Indonesia’s climate action will influence not only domestic outcomes but also its international standing. Domestically, an ambitious and measurable Second NDC will protect the country’s long-term interests and those of its people. Globally, it can strengthen Indonesia’s position and leadership role in regional and international environmental and climate governance.
By taking decisive action now, Indonesia can pave the way toward a greener, more sustainable, and more just future for all.
