DPR Deputy Speaker: Carbon Trading Must Prioritise Public Welfare, Not Just Business

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sari Yuliati has emphasised that the development of carbon trading in Indonesia must not be solely business-oriented. She expressed hope that it could become a strategic instrument to promote public welfare. “Carbon trading should not be viewed merely as a business instrument or a matter of international trade. What is more important is how the economic value of carbon can be channelled back to improve the welfare of the community, particularly indigenous peoples, forest farmers, fishermen, and all communities who have been at the forefront of preserving the environment,” Sari Yuliati stated on Tuesday (21/7/2026). She assessed that carbon trading could become a new source of economic growth supporting the national development vision based on a green economy. However, the success of its implementation heavily depends on accountable governance, regulatory certainty, and a fair mechanism for distributing benefits. “A green economy is not just about reducing emissions, but also about creating green jobs, increasing sustainable investment, strengthening low-carbon industries, and delivering tangible economic benefits to the community,” she continued. Sari Yuliati also urged the government to ensure that every carbon project involves local communities as primary partners, not merely as objects of development. In this way, the economic incentives generated from carbon trading can be directly felt by the communities that safeguard conservation areas and natural resources. Furthermore, the DPR RI will continue to exercise its oversight function to ensure that the implementation of carbon trading adheres to the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice. According to her, Indonesia’s credibility in the global carbon market must be built through strong governance to attract green investment without sacrificing national interests. Sari Yuliati expressed optimism that with appropriate regulatory support and synergy between the government, the DPR RI, businesses, academics, and the community, Indonesia could become a leader in the green economy within the region. She added that this would demonstrate that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand to realise an advanced, competitive, and sustainable Indonesia. “Indonesia must not merely become a supplier of carbon credits to the world. We must be able to make carbon trading an instrument of national development that strengthens economic resilience, improves public welfare, and preserves the environment for future generations,” she asserted.