Indonesia and global climate change negotiations: Potential opportunities and constraints for participation, leadership, and commitment

Abstract

The author discusses factors likely to affect Indonesia's participation in global climate change mitigation negotiations. These include Indonesia's performance to date in the international arena and its track record for compliance with agreements; domestic challenges such as demographic pressures, economic growth, deforestation, and energy consumption; the institutional culture of the government; and the activities and limitations of the legal system, non-governmental organizations, and business. The author concludes that, while the Indonesian government may be a vocal advocate for ‘sustainable development’, it has little ability to follow through on large-scale commitments to international efforts because of issues it faces at home.