Walhi Says Zero Emission Programs are No Answer to Fundamental Energy Issues

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Forum for the Environment or Walhi expressed its rejection of the Asian Zero Emission Community (AZEC) program. Along with several civil organizations such as JATAM, KRuHA, CELIOS, and Oil Change International, Walhi holds a symbolic protest at the Japanese Embassy at the same time as the AZEC Ministerial Meeting in Indonesia. 

Walhi’s Forest and Garden Campaign Manager Uli Arta Siagian said AZEC and other net zero emissions programs have one thing in common; no fundamental correction in defining ‘energy.’

“Where we talk about energy, our mind and imagination narrow it down to fuel and electricity. However, ‘energy’ is far beyond that. When farmers conduct their activities to ensure agricultural lands remain productive, that’s energy. Food is energy,” Uli told Tempo on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. 

Uli said narrowing down the meaning of ‘energy’ means the electricity consumption model is viewed through the lens of fuel energy. “Everything relating to net zero emission, energy transition, and green energy is mere greenwashing,” she said. 

AZEC is a cooperation platform to encourage the achievement of net zero emissions in the region, co-initiated by Indonesia and Japan. Japan and Indonesia produced 24 MoUs consisting of cooperation on energy transition promotion training, waste to energy, decarbonization, development of electricity transmission, geothermal, and green ammonia.

According to Uli, energy transition and climate change policies such as AZEC are not the answer to Indonesia’s fundamental energy consumption issue. Uli claimed all government programs are nothing but an excuse to keep extracting fossil fuels to power the industries. 

"Once again, energy is relegated to a mere commodity, not a people’s right. Walhi declares such policies as a phony solution,” she said.

One current evidence, Uli explained, is Indonesia’s move to categorize geothermal plants and co-firing steam-powered plants as clean energy. "While the implementation would certainly inseparable from human rights violations and land grabs, such as the Sorik Marapi and Poco Leok geothermals. These plants utilize land-based massive scale model,” the Walhi campaign manager concluded.

IRSYAN HASYIM

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