As world leaders convene at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, Indonesia faces mounting criticism from civil society groups over what they describe as a widening gap between the country’s climate diplomacy and its domestic extractive policies.

Three Indonesian civil society organizations ‒ People's Ecological Action and Emancipation (AEER), the East Kalimantan chapter of the Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM), and the Indonesia CERAH Foundation ‒ held a joint press conference this week, warning that Indonesia’s continued dependence on coal and persistent mining expansion undermine its commitments to phase out fossil fuels and protect tropical forests.

AEER presented its latest findings showing that, as of January 2025, there are 310 coal mining concessions across East Kalimantan covering 1.51 million hectares. Of that total, 667,565 hectares lie within forest zones, including conservation and protected forests.

An estimated 507,610 hectares of coal concessions operating in forest areas reportedly lack a mandatory Forest Area Utilization Permit (PPKH), potentially violating forestry and mining regulations.

Earlier this year, the government issued Presidential Regulation No. 5/2025 on Forest Area Enforcement, which mandated the establishment of a Forest Area Enforcement Task Force. One of its first actions was the takeover of 116.9 hectares of land operated by PT Mahakam Sumber Jaya, part of Harum Energy Group, for operating without Forest Area Usage Permit (PPKH).

“Satellite imagery shows indications of mining activity inside forest zones without PPKH by multiple companies,” AEER researcher Riski Saputra said in his persentation on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

“This reinforces the need for a comprehensive evaluation of all concessions inside and near forested areas,” Riski cited.

Riski added that although recent enforcement is a step forward, it remains insufficient. “The regulation should not only address violations after the fact. It must serve as a preventive instrument one that removes intact forest ecosystems from the mining licensing scheme altogether.”

The group warned that overlapping mining permits in forest areas represent a major threat amid the accelerating climate crisis. The forests contain high carbon stocks estimated at hundreds of millions of tons of CO₂e which could be lost if forest clearing for mining continues.

JATAM East Kalimantan highlighted the extensive socio-environmental impacts of coal mining on local communities ranging from dust pollution, river contamination and land conflicts to the loss of customary territories.

Many affected villages were never consulted during the licensing process, JATAM said. When environmental damage occurs, communities “at the frontline” face significant barriers seeking justice and remediation.

Coordinator of JATAM East Kalimantan, Mustari Sihombing, said the region’s overwhelming exposure to extractive industries 5.3 million hectares of coal concessions and 3.7 million hectares of oil palm plantations has created fertile ground for corruption and rights violations.

“Coal extraction has devastated social, cultural and economic life in East Kalimantan. Disasters linked to environmental degradation are now frequent and normalized. Despite dozens of child deaths in abandoned mine pits, legal enforcement remains weak,” Mustari said.

JATAM recorded at least 1,735 coal mine pits that remain unreclaimed. Forty nine children have died after falling into these pits.

“Abandoned pits have taken away children’s play spaces. Yet no company has been held accountable,” Mustari added.

The CERAH Foundation underscored the inconsistency between Indonesia’s climate commitments and its long-term energy planning. While the government has pledged to transition away from fossil fuels, Indonesia’s National Electricity Master Plan (RUKN) still projects reliance on coal until at least 2060 the same year the country aims to achieve net-zero emissions.

“RUKN projections show coal power continuing for decades, effectively locking Indonesia into fossil fuel dependency,” CERAH Program and Policy Manager Wicaksono Gitawan said.

He questioned whether Indonesia’s energy transition policies reflect genuine ambition. “Indonesia endorsed the Global Coal to Clean Power Transition at COP26, but implementation remains minimal. Now Indonesia is part of the Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels (TAFF) initiative at COP30. Will this be another hollow commitment?”

Wicaksono emphasized that real progress must be evident at home. “If the government is serious, fossil fuel dependent regions must be prepared for a just transition, socially and ecologically. Energy transition cannot shift direction every time the administration changes.”

AEER said COP30 is a critical moment for the country to demonstrate genuine climate leadership.

“COP30 gives Indonesia the opportunity to show true commitment. But that is only possible if domestic practices reflect the same level of seriousness,” the group said.