Nusantara Capital: Zero Carbon Vision by 2045 through Forest Restoration Effort
Nusantara Capital Authority’s Chief, Bambang Susantono, exudes confidence in Nusantara’s potential to achieve zero or negative carbon emissions by 2045, emphasizing forest restoration as a key strategy.
Susantono unveiled the vision during the launch of the Nusantara RLDC document at COP28 in Dubai. The event was part of the UN Climate Change Framework Convention.
He declared, “Nusantara aims not only for net zero emissions by 2045. It also envisions becoming a city with negative carbon emissions,” highlighting the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The new capital targets a substantial emissions reduction of 1.1 million tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) by 2045. Furthermore, it has a more ambitious goal of achieving -1.6 MtCO2. The sectors involved include forestry, land use, agriculture, energy, waste management, and industry.
New Capital Nusantara to be located in East Kalimantan
Indonesia plans its new capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan on Borneo. The location provides space for growth and aims to boost regional economic development. This choice highlights Indonesia’s commitment to balanced regional growth and environmentally sustainable urban planning.
Indonesia, at a national level, aspires to reduce emissions by 31.89 percent with its efforts. It also aims an additional 43.2 percent reduction with international support by 2030. This aligns its goals with its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.
A pivotal measure involves transforming 65 percent of land from monoculture forests to tropical forests. Indonesia plans to achieve this primarily through reforestation efforts to enhance carbon absorption and contribute to climate mitigation.
“This simultaneous effort positions Nusantara to positively impact nature and boost biodiversity on Kalimantan Island,” Susantono highlighted, emphasizing the dual benefit of the initiative.
In the forestry sector, the focus is on preventing deforestation by safeguarding 59,000 hectares of existing natural and mangrove forests. Additionally, efforts will be directed towards increasing carbon stocks through the restoration of over 83,000 hectares of industrial forests, deforested land, and former coal mining sites.
The active steps taken underscore Nusantara’s commitment to environmental stewardship and align with global efforts to combat climate change, showcasing Indonesia’s dedication to achieving sustainable and eco-friendly urban development.
