Local government response to the impacts of climate change: a review of climate change strategies in Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesian government has launched the Low Carbon Development (LCD) policy which is expected to internalize into the upcoming National Medium-term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020–2024. LCD aims to support economic growth through low emissions development activities while minimizing the exploitation of natural resources. Hence, the study’s goal was to decide the extent of implementing climate change programs at the local level, as a preliminary study to find the region’s readiness towards LCD. This research was conducted at Pekalongan, which was categorized as a highly vulnerable region to climate change in Central Java. Data was collected using a literature study, focus group discussions (FGD), and in-depth interviews. The results suggested that The Pekalongan City planning document had several adaptations and mitigation plans in response to climate change, supported by several regulations. The energy, waste, and agriculture sectors were the highest contributors to carbon emissions. This study also outlined the implementation of programs and strategies in the energy and waste sectors to reduce greenhouse gases and the obstacles they face, excluding the agriculture sector, because of limited data availability. In general, the response of Pekalongan city to climate change was still hampered by coordination between sectors, not all were elements involved. Furthermore, greenhouse gas inventory had not been specifically budgeted.