Jakarta. The government has reaffirmed that the national economic growth target of 8 percent by 2029 must go hand in hand with the commitment to reducing carbon emissions. This was stated by the Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, in his remarks in Jakarta.

Hashim emphasized that accelerated economic growth will automatically increase carbon emissions, making it crucial to have a clear strategy to ensure development does not burden the environment.

“Achieving the 8 percent economic growth target by 2029 will inevitably generate more carbon emissions. Therefore, we need serious efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Economic growth must go hand in hand with carbon reduction commitments, not the other way around,” he said.

According to him, Indonesia has a great opportunity to prove that green economic development can serve as a growth engine. By integrating clean energy investment, industrial efficiency, and low-carbon technology, Hashim is optimistic that the target can be achieved.

Echoing this view, the Industry Minister underlined the importance of synergy between economic growth strategies and environmental policies.

“We agree with Mr. Hashim that economic growth must not be pitted against efforts to reduce carbon emissions or greenhouse gases in the industrial sector. On the contrary, both must progress in parallel,” said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita at The 2nd Annual Indonesia Green Industry Summit (AIGIS) 2025 in Jakarta, Wednesday.

The Minister explained that the industrial sector is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in the country.

“Industry contributes around 30 percent of Indonesia’s total CO2 emissions. Therefore, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector are not only crucial for environmental sustainability but will also support the achievement of the 8 percent growth target by 2029,” he noted.

He added that the domestic manufacturing industry is currently at a crucial point in facing growing global demands, particularly regarding greenhouse gas reductions and the transition to clean energy. Accelerating green industry transformation has become an urgent necessity to maintain national competitiveness amid global green economic trends.

“We always emphasize that green industry transformation must not be seen as a cost, but rather as an investment. Therefore, the state must be present, as this effort aligns with President’s Asta Cita vision,” he said.

The Minister explained that green industry transformation aligns with Asta Cita point 2, which strengthens national defense and security systems while promoting national self-reliance through food, energy, water self-sufficiency, as well as creative, green, and blue economies.

Furthermore, green industry transformation also aligns with Asta Cita point 3, which aims to create quality employment, as it encourages the growth of green jobs.

It is also in line with Asta Cita point 5, which emphasizes advancing downstreaming and industrialization to increase domestic value-added. Moreover, it corresponds to Asta Cita point 8, which highlights harmonizing human life with the environment and nature. “This is where circular economy initiatives become increasingly relevant,” he explained.

On this occasion, the Minister also noted that this year’s AIGIS was successfully held under three main principles: Zero Emission, Zero Waste, and Zero State Budget (Zero APBN).

“This event was made possible through the collaboration of BSKJI Kemenperin, WRI, IESR, and PT Global Mahaka Solusindo, with full support from main sponsors Toyota and Jaecoo. This year’s AIGIS also received support from CarbonEthics, IDXCarbon, ZonaEBT, and WasteHub,” he said.

AIGIS also served as a moment to present Green Industry Awards to industries, certification bodies, auditors, and regional governments committed to sustainability. This year, the awards were presented in five categories: (1) Best Performance in Green Industry Implementation, (2) Transformation Towards Green Industry, (3) Best Green Industry Certification Body (LSIH), (4) Best Green Industry Auditor, and (5) Best Regional Government Implementation of Green Industry. Through these awards, the Ministry of Industry hopes to encourage more stakeholders to innovate, enhance energy efficiency, and set an example in applying green industry principles in the country. The Minister also invited all industry players to view the decarbonization agenda as an opportunity, not a burden.

“Transformation towards a green industry is a long journey that requires vision, innovation, and collaboration. With steps such as energy efficiency, renewable energy utilization, CCU technology, and circular economy implementation, Indonesia will not only maintain global competitiveness but also contribute to environmental sustainability,” he concluded.