Jakarta. Indonesia is accelerating the realization of net zero emission (NZE) targets across various sectors, including mining. Achieving this requires strategic steps from both the government and mining industry players.

Chairman of the Indonesian Energy, Mineral, and Coal Suppliers Association (Aspebindo), Anggawira, revealed four main actions that the government must take.

First, regulators need to develop a roadmap and mining business regulations based on NZE principles, tailored to each commodity type.

“Create a specific regulatory framework for the mining sector for NZE that is implementable and sector-specific, such as emission targets per commodity type like coal, nickel, and gold,” Anggawira told Beritasatu.com on Tuesday.

Second, cross-ministerial collaboration is needed, involving the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM), Environment and Forestry Ministry (KLHK), state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) to avoid overlapping policies between economic and environmental targets.

Third, the government should provide fiscal incentives and ease licensing for mines that develop solar power plants (PLTS), reforestation projects, and electrification of heavy equipment.

Fourth, the application of a just energy transition model is crucial so that the decarbonization process does not sacrifice investment and jobs in mining regions.

On the other hand, Anggawira said business actors must also actively promote NZE implementation within their operational scope through four efforts.

First, mining companies are encouraged to conduct regular emission audits and prepare internal NZE roadmaps, even though this is not yet mandated by the government.

Second, energy diversification at mining sites is necessary, such as using solar power for non-process operations, battery storage, and electrification of light vehicles.

Third, collaboration with technology startups and green financial institutions should be enhanced to ensure the transition burden is not borne entirely by corporations.

Lastly, business actors are urged to involve local communities in decarbonization programs to create social impact and avoid resistance from the public.

“The net zero target for the mining sector cannot rely on moralistic approaches alone. It must be realistic, data-driven, and accompanied by economic incentives. The transition should be designed as a new business opportunity, not a burden,” he concluded.