Jakarta.  Indonesia has made initial progress in steering its mining sector toward net-zero emissions (NZE), but experts say more concrete action is needed to transform policy into operational change on the ground.

Anggawira, Chairman of the Indonesian Energy, Mineral, and Coal Suppliers Association (Aspebindo), acknowledged the government's efforts through strategic policies and regulations. However, he said  these frameworks remain largely high-level and have yet to deliver practical impact at the industry level.

“The government has set the right direction, but it’s not yet sufficient,” Anggawira said on Monday. “We see the presence of strategic documents, but more needs to be done at the field level.”

Key policies cited include Presidential Regulation No. 98 of 2021 on the implementation of carbon economic value and Ministerial Regulation No. 16 of 2022, which focuses on carbon pricing in the power generation sub-sector. The National Energy General Plan (RUEN) also provides a long-term strategy for national energy management.

Despite these foundations, Anggawira pointed out that sector-specific guidelines, especially for extractive industries, are lacking. The current roadmap and green economy regulations serve more as aspirational blueprints rather than actionable directives.

To move forward, Anggawira identified four critical areas requiring stronger government intervention:

1. Clear, Targeted Regulations: Develop sector-specific NZE frameworks with measurable emissions targets tailored by commodity—such as coal, nickel, and gold.

2. Cross-Ministerial Coordination: Strengthen collaboration among key ministries to harmonize environmental and economic objectives and avoid regulatory conflicts.

3. Incentives for Green Investment: Offer fiscal incentives and regulatory support to mining companies adopting solar energy, electrifying heavy equipment, or engaging in reforestation.

4. Just Energy Transition: Ensure decarbonization policies protect investments and jobs in mining regions by adopting a fair and practical transition model.

“The transition must be just and grounded in reality,” Anggawira said. “We cannot let decarbonization come at the expense of employment and investment in mining-dependent areas.”