Indonesia targets Rp16 trillion ($980 million) in carbon credit deals at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Learn about Indonesia’s carbon trading potential, climate diplomacy, and investment in Brazil’s forest protection.
Indonesia’s Bold Move at COP30: Turning Climate Commitment into Capital
Indonesia is entering the United Nations COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil, with an ambitious goal: securing at least Rp16 trillion (approximately $980 million) in carbon market transactions. The plan marks a significant leap in Indonesia’s effort to monetize its vast environmental assets—from tropical forests and mangroves to renewable energy and industrial decarbonization.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq announced the target during the Belém Leader Summit, emphasizing the country’s determination to link its environmental stewardship with real financial outcomes.
“By the time we return from Belém, we expect to secure at least Rp16 trillion,” Hanif said, urging the delegation to use every opportunity for international diplomacy and dealmaking.
The summit, running from November 10–21, is expected to be a turning point for Indonesia’s carbon economy. With the third-largest tropical rainforest in the world and expanding renewable energy programs, the nation is positioning itself as a major carbon credit supplier on the global stage.
90 Million Tons of CO₂ Potential: From Nature to Technology
Minister Hanif revealed that Indonesia’s projection for COP30 represents about 90 million tons of potential CO₂ transactions. This figure covers both nature-based solutions—such as forest conservation, peatland restoration, and blue carbon ecosystems—and technology-based sectors, including renewable energy, waste management, and industrial carbon capture.
To attract international investors, Indonesia Pavilion at COP30 will host daily “seller-meet-buyer” sessions. These events are designed to connect local carbon credit project owners with global institutions seeking verified, high-quality offsets.
The Pavilion activities will showcase verified emission reduction (VER) projects and government-supported certification systems, providing transparency and credibility for foreign investors. Indonesia’s delegation is also expected to negotiate potential bilateral carbon trading partnerships with several countries during the summit.
From Local Beginnings to Global Market Ambitions
Although Indonesia is rich in carbon assets, the country’s domestic carbon market remains relatively young. The IDX Carbon Exchange, launched in September 2023, has so far facilitated Rp78.37 billion in total transactions, equivalent to 1.6 million tons of CO₂e traded up to August 2025.
However, trading activity is accelerating fast. In 2025 alone, carbon volumes rose 483 percent, reaching 696,763 tons worth Rp27.74 billion. Analysts see this as an early sign of market maturation and growing investor confidence.
Government projections suggest Indonesia’s carbon trading potential between 2024 and 2050 could reach 13.4 billion tons of CO₂e. At an average price of $15 per ton, that equates to roughly Rp128 trillion per year—a figure that could transform the country’s climate financing landscape.
Such potential highlights Indonesia’s role not only as a conservation powerhouse but also as a regional hub for carbon trade and investment.
Partnerships for a Global Green Future: Indonesia and Brazil
Beyond market targets, Indonesia made global headlines at COP30 by announcing a $1 billion investment in Brazil’s new Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)—a fund created to finance long-term rainforest protection.
President Prabowo Subianto appointed his brother, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, as special climate envoy to deliver the pledge.
“Indonesia will actively participate and has committed to match Brazil’s contribution of $1 billion,” Hashim told delegates, earning applause from world leaders.
This move positions Indonesia and Brazil—two of the world’s largest tropical forest nations—as strategic partners in the global carbon economy. It also signals Indonesia’s readiness to take a leadership role in South-South cooperation on climate finance and forest governance.
Other nations are joining the initiative: Norway pledged $3 billion over ten years, France committed €500 million by 2030, while The Netherlands, Portugal, and Germany expressed varying levels of financial support.
Indonesia’s Progress in Forest Protection
Hashim Djojohadikusumo also highlighted that Indonesia’s deforestation rate has dropped to its lowest level in 20 years, with a 75 percent reduction since 2019. This progress is the result of strict forest governance, moratoriums on new palm oil permits, and expanded community-based forest management programs.
Such achievements strengthen Indonesia’s position in international carbon negotiations. With more verified emission reduction (VER) credits available, the country’s forest sector can provide long-term, high-quality carbon offsets that meet global ESG standards.
Building an Ecosystem for Sustainable Carbon Growth
Indonesia’s carbon market development aligns with broader national goals to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2060 or sooner. The government’s roadmap emphasizes:
- Transparent carbon governance through national registries.
- Verification systems aligned with global standards such as Verra and Gold Standard.
- Capacity building for project developers and verifiers.
- Integration with renewable energy projects in power, transport, and industry.
These efforts are intended to ensure that Indonesia’s carbon market remains credible, scalable, and internationally competitive.
Empowering Stakeholders Through Knowledge: Mutu Institute’s Role
To support Indonesia’s growing carbon market ecosystem, Mutu Institute provides comprehensive training and certification programs focused on environmental standards, sustainability management, and carbon trading systems.
Participants learn practical skills on carbon accounting, MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification), and compliance with ISO environmental standards—key competencies for professionals involved in carbon projects and ESG reporting.
Mutu Institute also operates an affiliated NGO platform called Carbon Nature, which focuses on environmental advocacy, conservation initiatives, and public engagement in sustainability programs.
By bridging education, certification, and field implementation, Mutu Institute and Carbon Nature help ensure that Indonesia’s carbon transition is built on strong human capital and ethical environmental practices.
Indonesia’s Carbon Future is Now
Indonesia’s Rp16 trillion target at COP30 represents more than just financial ambition—it’s a statement of intent to align economic growth with climate responsibility. With strong environmental performance, new partnerships, and an expanding carbon market infrastructure, Indonesia is emerging as a serious global player in carbon finance.
If the COP30 delegation succeeds, the deals struck in Belém could become a foundation for a robust, transparent, and high-value carbon economy that benefits both people and the planet.
Interested in becoming part of Indonesia’s carbon transition?
Join Mutu Institute’s Carbon Market and Sustainability Training Programs to master the tools and standards driving today’s green economy.
Learn more about our NGO initiative Carbon Nature, supporting real action for conservation, climate justice, and carbon awareness.
Visit: www.mutuinstitute.com & www.carbbonnature.com
