Challenges in EU–Indonesia Climate Cooperation: Pathways to Improve Inclusivity and Environmental Resilience in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is facing escalating climate-related threats, including sea-level rise, forest degradation, and the intensification of natural disasters. In response, the Indonesian government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29% unconditionally and 41% with international support by 2030, with a broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 or earlier. Cooperation with the European Union (EU) plays a critical role in supporting these national targets. Through institutions such as the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU allocated €28.5 billion in 2022 to support climate action in partner countries, including Indonesia. However, this cooperation continues to face several challenges, such as unequal financial flows, limited coordination, and programs that often lack sensitivity to local needs and contexts. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method using literature review as the main data source to examine both the structural barriers and strategic opportunities within the EU–Indonesia climate partnership. The findings underscore the need for improved knowledge-sharing, transparent climate financing, community engagement, and stronger national ownership in project implementation. Without addressing these gaps, the effectiveness and sustainability of the cooperation may remain limited. This paper argues that renewing EU–Indonesia climate cooperation through more inclusive, context-responsive approaches and a focus on recipient-country capacity-building can meaningfully contribute to strengthening Indonesia’s environmental resilience and support a more balanced and just global climate governance framework.