Indonesia finalizes regulations on carbon capture, storage

Indonesia has finalized regulations on the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS), reinforcing its commitment to reducing global carbon emissions.

Dadan Kusdiana, the secretary general of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, announced on July 23 that the regulation is currently awaiting President Joko Widodo's approval before it can take effect.

The official said that the regulation has completed the harmonisation process and is now in the process of obtaining approval from the president.

Kusdiana added that besides contributing through CCS, Indonesia is also working on expanding the use of renewable energy and other low-carbon energy sources.

Indonesia, one of the world's largest producers and exporters of coal, has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 31.89% on its own or by 43.2% with international help by 2030.

In May 2023, the Indonesia Carbon Capture and Storage Center was established to support the development of low-carbon businesses involving hydrogen, blue and green ammonia, or blue and green methanol, in the Southeast Asian country.

In September 2023, Widodo launched Indonesia's first carbon exchange IDXCarbon to facilitate carbon trading. This scheme allows companies or organisations focused on renewable energy to sell carbon credits to emitters such as coal producers.