Environmentalists have asked the government to undertake systemic changes to achieve a just energy transition and transparent climate financing as the national economic structure, which heavily depends on the extractive sectors, exacerbates the impacts of the climate crisis that burden the society instead of promoting welfare.

Galau Muhammad, Fiscal Researcher at the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), emphasized that to this day, Indonesia's economic structure does not reflect the government's commitment to achieving the net-zero target. In fact, the largest portion of Indonesia’s economy still stems from extractive sectors like fossil fuels and mining, which negatively impact the environment.

The condition is reflected in the government’s policy of continuous nickel downstreaming, which is claimed to generate significant profits for the national economy, particularly in boosting economic growth rates. However, only 20 percent of the profits generated from mineral downstreaming contribute to tax revenues. Furthermore, the presence of mines and smelting plants has led to increased poverty in surrounding areas.

Moreover, deforestation continues to expand for energy security and food self-sufficiency. The government’s push for energy security initiatives like co-firing biomass and the 40 percent biodiesel program (B40) are merely false solutions for energy transition, as they continue to rely on coal and other fossil fuels, worsening the climate crisis.

"Let us not destroy forests massively just to pursue 8 percent economic growth. Meanwhile, fulfilling B40 will create a cooking oil shortage, and approximately 20 million hectares of land could be turned into biomass energy forests, palm oil plantations for B40, bioethanol, and food controlled by large conglomerates," G alau in a statement on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Based on CELIOS findings, there is significant economic inequality. The 50 richest people in Indonesia, who dominate the extractive sectors, control wealth amounting to Rp 4.54 trillion (US$274.6 million). This has led to calls for aggressive taxation of the wealthy to allocate funds for sustainable sectors and finance local initiatives that deserve promotion. "We should have a broader vision for a sustainable economy," Galau added.

On the other hand, Khalisah Khalid, Public Engagement and Action Manager at Greenpeace Indonesia, revealed that the impacts of the climate crisis are often fully borne by the people. Furthermore, the climate crisis has disturbed citizens’ sense of security.

"There are also losses suffered by the people, such as when we are sick or displaced due to disasters. All of that is borne by the people, not the state. We may not yet have a term for climate refugees, but despite not being a conflict country, Indonesia has a high number of climate refugees, such as during floods. This is something that might be overlooked, but the number is significant," Khalisah said.

In fact, Khalisah emphasized, the Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights stipulates that everyone has the right to live, feel secure, and have a good environment.

These conditions have driven civil society coalitions to initiate the "Draw The Line" movement, demanding climate justice through systemic change. Draw The Line stresses that climate justice is not just about emissions, but also about ensuring protection for vulnerable groups, transparent climate financing, and an energy transition that truly benefits the people.

Indonesia actually has great potential to lead a clean and just energy transition. Unfortunately, the reliance on fossil fuels and government policies are worsening inequality, closing democratic spaces, and ignoring the voices of indigenous people and marginalized groups.

Therefore, Draw The Line also demands that the government immediately stop funding dirty energy and shift subsidies to renewable energy that is just and community-based.

"Climate policy must be grounded in the principle of justice, ensuring distributive justice for vulnerable groups. Responsibilities should be differentiated according to each party’s capabilities, while being directed toward equitable welfare and poverty alleviation," Khalisah said.

The Draw The Line action will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Presidential Palace. This event carries the theme "Dress Up, Show Up, Speak Up," where costumes and creative expressions will symbolize resistance and demands for real change.

"At this point, we are fed up with government policies that oppress the people, the suffocating pollution, and the silencing of those who oppose. We want to turn this anger into a celebration of courage. Let’s express our anger in the uniqueness of each person’s freedom of expression," Ramadhan, Action Coordinator at renewable energy campaigner ENTER Nusantara, said.