$60 Million RBC-4 Fund Launched for Emission Reductions Between Indonesia and Norway

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia and Norway have launched the fourth phase of the Results-Based Contribution (RBC-4) funding initiative aimed at combating deforestation and forest degradation to reduce emissions (REDD+).

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Indonesia’s Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, and Norway’s Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Rut Kruger Giverin, in Jakarta on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Hanif emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Today’s launch of the Phase 4 Emission Reduction Contribution is a continuation of the strong partnership between Indonesia and Norway under the FOLU Net Sink 2030 framework.” He highlighted the $60 million allocated for Indonesia for reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 2019 and 2020, following the success of the RBC-3 phase.

In previous phases, RBC-1 generated $56 million for cutting 11.2 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions during 2016-2017, while RBC-2 and RBC-3 combined received $100 million for reducing 20 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions between 2017 and 2019. Hanif noted that this latest funding underscores Indonesia’s commitment to global environmental challenges through collaboration and collective action.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni added that RBC-3 funding was used to support activities aligned with FOLU Net Sink 2030 goals, such as sustainable forest management, carbon absorption, biodiversity conservation, and legal enforcement efforts. He stressed that these initiatives highlight Indonesia’s leadership in environmental preservation.

The RBC-4 funding builds on groundwork laid since 2022, initiated under the leadership of then-Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar. Raja Juli explained that Siti had engaged in consistent discussions with Norwegian officials, including Ambassador Giverin and Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Njelland Erikssen.

In September 2022, Indonesia and Norway renewed their partnership to bolster Indonesia’s efforts in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. This collaboration includes protecting and managing forests, engaging indigenous communities, and strengthening carbon absorption through sustainable forest management, rehabilitation, and social forestry programs.

Other key activities involve conserving biodiversity, mitigating emissions from peatland fires, and enhancing law enforcement against environmental violations. These steps signify a comprehensive approach to achieving Indonesia’s climate goals while maintaining ecological integrity.

Ambassador Giverin expressed Norway’s pride in its enduring partnership with Indonesia, commending the country’s leadership in addressing global climate challenges. “Indonesia and Norway are setting an example for how Western nations and tropical forest-rich countries can work together to tackle climate challenges,” she stated.

This partnership reflects a global model of cooperation, demonstrating that joint efforts can lead to tangible outcomes in mitigating climate change. Both nations continue to inspire other countries with their commitment to environment sustainability and climate action. (Uki Ruknuddin)