VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Political expert from The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Gadjah Mada University and a steering committee member of MOSAIC (Muslims for Shared Action on Climate Impact), Abdul Gaffar Karim, Wednesday (23/10/2024) optimistic that President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka can address climate change issue in Indonesia through collaborative efforts.

"Our hope is that there will be a continuation from the previous government, particularly with an emphasis on green and blue economies," he stated in a statement, acknowledging the urgency of the climate crisis.

Indonesia has set ambitious climate goals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. These targets are critical, particularly given Indonesia's status as one of the world's largest carbon emitters due to deforestation and reliance on fossil fuels.

However, Gaffar is acutely aware that government initiatives alone are not enough. He stresses the necessity of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, the economic sector, civil society, and local communities. "Governments often prioritize physical development, such as infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the economic community adheres to a global framework for sustainability, being mindful of carbon emissions and environmental degradation," he elaborated.

He further emphasized that local communities play a vital role in implementing these initiatives, as they are often the first to experience the impacts of climate change. This connection, he believes, is essential for creating a robust and effective response to climate challenges.

"The government can continue its infrastructure and policy initiatives, corporations can maintain their operations, and society can remain actively engaged," he said.

At MOSAIC, Gaffar and his colleagues are actively working to bridge the gaps between these sectors. "What we are doing at MOSAIC is strengthening collaboration among diverse parties," he said.

Despite the strong commitment of society to environmental issues, Gaffar noted that the three sectors—government, business, and civil society—often function independently. "Collaboration is essential," he asserted, highlighting MOSAIC's role in promoting cooperation, particularly among Islamic community groups.

The organization brings together various Islamic organizations and civil society elements, including Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, alongside academic institutions like Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). "Each organization has its own commitment to environmental issues. We are still exploring how these institutions can collaborate more effectively," he remarked.

MOSAIC has initiated several concrete actions to combat climate change, including programs like "sedekah energi" (energy donation) and "wakaf hutan" (forest endowment). "These programs serve as practical models for Islamic philanthropy while collectively addressing climate change challenges," Gaffar explained.

Gaffar reiterated the importance of collective action. "Islamic philanthropy can serve as a vital channel to address climate change in Indonesia," he concluded. "By fostering collaboration and commitment, we can develop impactful solutions that benefit both our communities and the environment," he said.

He also underscored the pivotal role of the government in this endeavor. "It is crucial for the government to enhance collaboration on climate change initiatives, starting with straightforward and actionable steps, such as fostering a more proactive partnership between the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs," he said.