Indonesian local and national government representatives join forces to combat climate change at National Dialogue in Palembang
- From left to right: Eddy Santana, Mayor of Palembang; Vic Aquitania, Director of ICLEI's Southeast Asia office; Victor Rembeth, representing the Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform; Head of Bappenas' Sub-Directorate; and
22 October 2009, Palembang, Indonesia
On 22 October 2009, the National Dialogue on Climate Change was held in Palembang, Indonesia. The dialogue provided a forum for national government agencies, local governments, experts, media and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for facing of climate change in urban areas in Indonesia and globally.
Opening the dialogue, the Chairman of APEKSI stressed the important role of local governments in combating climate change. He also emphasized how local actions can contribute in achieving the national target. Indonesia has targeted an emission reduction of 26 to 41 percent by 2012 and further cut carbon emission by 1 billion tons in 2050. A representative of the Ministry of Environment underscored that to be able to achieve this target, stakeholders from local, national and international organizations must come together and take action.
During the dialogue, the Mayors shared their experiences and challenges in implementing measures on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Mayor of Bogor pointed out that local governments have an important role to play in reducing carbon emission and adapting to climate change, but that they must analyze the local situation before implementing measures.
The national dialogue culminated with 20 Mayors signing the World Mayors and Local Governments Climate Protection Agreement and the creation of an Indonesian Urban Climate change Network that will establish and enhance synergies among local, national and international agencies operating within Indonesia in combating climate change. Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment created a Working Group composed of local and national government representative in major island groups as a commitment to continue with the dialogue.
- Mayors signing the signing the World Mayors and Local Governments Climate Protection Agreement
The workshop was well attended by 20 Mayors, national government agencies, 50 journalists from 20 media agencies and other stakeholders. Speakers and participants included representatives of APEKSI Board and Regional Secretariat, ICLEI South Asia and Oceania, UCLG ASPAC, GTZ, as well as the national delegation to COP 15, including representatives from the National Environmental Ministry, the Development and Planning Agency and the Climate Change Commission.
The event was organised by ICLEI Southeast Asia in cooperation with APEKSI (Association of Indonesian Municipalities).
For further information, please visit the ICLEI Southeast Asia website.