FOLU Net Sink 2030, between Environmental Ambition and Power Cake Sharing?

Recently, public attention has been drawn to the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, and his party, Partai Solidaritas Indonesia (PSI). This was triggered by the circulation of documents revealing the organizational structure of the Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 program. This program is one of the key efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the forestry sector, but it is now under intense scrutiny.

What is interesting is the involvement of several PSI politicians in key positions within this structure. Names such as Kokok Dirgantoro, Andy Budiman, Sigit Widodo, Furqan Amini Chaniago, and Suci Mayang Sari appear in various important divisions, ranging from law enforcement to conservation. They receive monthly salaries ranging from Rp 8 million to Rp 50 million, with claims that the funds come from external donors, not from the State Budget (APBN).

Behind these striking figures, a major question arises: is this merely a practice of power-sharing that threatens the noble goal of climate change mitigation? Or is it a strategic step to address one of the greatest challenges faced by Indonesia and the world? The fate of FOLU Net Sink 2030 is now at stake—whether this ambitious initiative can bring positive impacts to the environment or risks failure if not managed properly.

FOLU Net Sink 2030 is an Indonesian program aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with a target of cutting 140 million tons of CO2eq by 2030. This program focuses on sustainable forest management, ecosystem rehabilitation, and biodiversity conservation. By reducing deforestation and creating new forests, the program is expected to enhance carbon absorption and support Indonesia's commitments in international agreements to address climate change.

However, how can this ambitious goal be achieved if the public doubts the competence of the politicians involved? According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Indonesia has experienced a trend of rising average temperatures and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly from the energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors. National GHG emissions in 2022 reached 1,228.72 million tons of CO2e, with the largest contribution coming from the energy sector.

Let us set aside for a moment the noble goal of FOLU Net Sink 2030 and focus on the issue currently being widely discussed, namely the alleged power-sharing among politicians. How can this ambitious goal be achieved if the public doubts the competence and expertise of politicians in addressing environmental issues?

The involvement of politicians in strategic positions within this program raises serious questions about whether the decisions made are based on a deep understanding of the issues at hand or merely political interests. If the public loses trust in their capabilities, the effectiveness and sustainability of the FOLU Net Sink 2030 initiative will also be called into question, which could ultimately hinder the achievement of the expected emission reduction goals.

How can these ambitious goals be achieved if the public doubts the competence of the politicians involved?

First of all, the involvement of politicians in the FOLU Net Sink 2030 structure must be seen from the perspective of their competence and capacity in handling environmental issues. Politicians such as Kokok Dirgantoro, Andy Budiman, and others may have different backgrounds, but do they have relevant expertise in forestry and climate change? Competence is key in determining the effectiveness of a technical program such as FOLU Net Sink.

If these members are known more as politicians than as experts in the field of forestry and the environment, there is a great risk that decisions taken will not be based on solid scientific analysis. Given the challenges faced in maintaining forest sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the involvement of individuals who do not have the appropriate background could be fatal to the success of the initiative.

The source of funding claimed to come from donors or partner countries, and not from the state budget, should not be free from public scrutiny. Although this can be considered a positive step to reduce the burden on state finances, the question that arises is how transparent is the use of these funds?

If the funds were used to pay politicians' monthly honorariums, this could be considered an inefficient waste, especially when compared to the urgent need for research and development of real solutions in the forestry sector.

In terms of budget efficiency, the government should focus more on allocating funds to programs that directly contribute to reducing emissions, such as the development of environmentally friendly technologies, training for local communities, and reforestation programs. Honoraria for politicians, who should be more focused on public policy and oversight, can be considered as merely sharing the unproductive power cake. This is very painful for the general public who do not know the results of the politicians' work.

The impact of this decision on climate change control efforts could be significant. If these politicians fail to play their roles effectively, the ambitious FOLU Net Sink 2030 target could potentially fail.

In a global context, Indonesia is one of the countries with tropical forests that are vital for the balance of the world's ecosystem. Failure to maintain forest sustainability will worsen the climate crisis that has become a global challenge today.

Furthermore, if the public does not see the success of these initiatives, public trust in the government and related institutions may decrease. This will create a negative cycle as the public becomes apathetic towards environmental programs, even though public participation is key to the success of such initiatives.

Politics and the environment are often in tension. Decisions made by governments are often influenced by political interests, and this situation is no exception in the context of FOLU Net Sink 2030. Are these decisions made in the long-term interests of the environment or simply for short-term political interests? This should be a primary focus in the evaluation of this governance structure.

To create a healthy balance between politics and the environment, a strict oversight mechanism and transparency in decision-making are needed. Independent oversight from civil society and environmental institutions must be strengthened to ensure that every decision taken is not influenced by political interests alone.

The involvement of politicians in the FOLU Net Sink 2030 management structure brings a number of challenges that must be faced. In terms of competence, budget efficiency, and impact on climate change control efforts, there are many unanswered questions. If the goal of FOLU Net Sink 2030 is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to ensure that the individuals involved have the relevant expertise and that budget allocations are carried out efficiently and transparently.

This criticism is not only to condemn, but also to encourage improvements in natural resource management and better decision-making in the future. Our hope is that the government can learn from this experience and put environmental interests above political interests for a more sustainable future.

In closing, the journey towards the success of FOLU Net Sink 2030 is a challenge that requires commitment and integrity from all parties involved. The involvement of politicians in the structure of this program must be balanced with high competence and transparency to ensure that the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved.

The public also has a vital role in monitoring and encouraging policies that favor the environment. With solid collaboration between the government, civil society, and all stakeholders, we can turn this challenge into a real opportunity to create a more sustainable future. It's time for us to unite, move, and act for a better earth for future generations. Change it into simple language.

Supianto Haseng, Anti-Corruption Counselor and Lead Analyst at Asah Kebijakan Indonesia