Indonesia’s Long-Term Vision and the Local Reality
As Indonesia enters the early phase of its National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) in 2025, the nation has set an ambitious target: reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 93.5% by 2045—a crucial milestone toward achieving net zero emissions by 2060.
Reaching this goal requires strong collaboration between the national and local governments. Provinces, cities, and regencies play a key role, as most emissions stem from local-level activities such as land use, industrial operations, and waste management. Local regulations are needed to manage and minimize environmental harm—especially emissions.
Yet, many regencies have yet to produce essential documents like GHG inventories, which serve as the foundation for sustainable policy-making. This lack is largely due to limited references, complex technical processes, and a shortage of qualified experts to guide the development of such documents.
By establishing local policies that are environmentally sound and low-carbon, regional governments can make significant contributions toward Indonesia’s net zero vision. These commitments must be reflected in formal planning documents such as the Regional Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPD) and the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD).
Designing Low-Carbon Development Strategies
As an independent think tank, Traction Energy Asia seeks to serve as a catalyst for low-carbon regional planning. In collaboration with the Directorate General of Regional Development (Ditjen Bina Bangda) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Traction provides support for local governments and their agencies in developing sustainable local policies.
Through its Low-Carbon Development Policy Strategy Program, Traction Energy Asia offers hands-on assistance to regencies vulnerable to environmental degradation and unsustainable resource use. The ultimate goal is to help local governments create balanced policies—supporting local economic growth without sacrificing the long-term health of natural ecosystems.
To formulate such balanced and effective policies, regencies need technocratic plans—scientifically grounded, evidence-based strategies tailored to the specific context of each region. These plans require comprehensive analysis by qualified experts before being translated into policy recommendations and integrated into RPJMD documents.
Traction provides regencies with access to these experts, who gather on-the-ground data and guide local agencies through the technical planning process. In addition, specialists from Ditjen Bina Bangda offer structured consultations and technical clinics to ensure quality and consistency in policy documents.
Building Partnerships for Sustainable Policy
This program is offered free of charge. Traction Energy Asia supplies both expert guidance and technical mentorship at no cost. However, because the program is structured and long-term in nature, it requires strong commitment and cooperation from local governments. As a first step, Traction invites regency representatives and their teams to participate in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing session, which sets the stage for the program and reinforces mutual commitment toward its goals.
In mid-2024, Trenggalek Regency in East Java became one of the pioneering regions to officially join the program. Led by Regent H. Mochamad Nur Arifin, S.E., M.PSDM, Trenggalek has successfully compiled technocratic data, held a public dissemination session, and begun drafting its low-carbon planning framework. This progress was made possible by continuous support from field experts working closely with local agencies throughout the process.
Other regencies that have committed to the program include:
- Trenggalek Regency, East Java
- Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh
- Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh
- Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung
- North Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi
From the Regions, For Indonesia
There is a growing awareness among local governments of the importance of sustainable planning. Many regencies now recognize that the costs of inaction will be far greater in the future—and that embracing the green economy today can open up new opportunities for local prosperity.
Traction Energy Asia hopes to see more regencies across the country adopting low-carbon development strategies. Through our dedicated support, we aim to help build a generation of local leaders and policies that contribute meaningfully to Indonesia’s net zero emissions target by 2060.
From the regions, for Indonesia. From this generation, for the next.
Together, we can create real, lasting change.
