Government Reviews Carbon Economic Value Incentives for Green Ports
The Indonesian government, through the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, is studying the possibility of including ports that implement the ‘green port’ concept into the Carbon Economic Value (NEK) scheme. This move could potentially provide economic incentives for efforts to reduce carbon emissions within the port sector.
“This could serve as an incentive, similar to green building initiatives. Green ports may also be integrated into carbon pricing or Carbon Economic Value schemes. This represents a significant opportunity,” said Nani Hendiarti, Deputy for Coordination of Food Affordability and Security at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, in Jakarta on Wednesday.
She noted that this opportunity is expected to encourage more port operators to adopt Green and Smart Port principles, which would not only improve environmental performance but also add value to port competitiveness and the business world.
However, Nani explained that the provision of such incentives cannot be realised yet, as the government is still studying and developing the methodology for measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV). This methodology will serve as the basis for calculating carbon emission reductions in the port sector.
“Regarding the implementation timing for green port incentives, it is not yet determined as we require an MRV methodology. This is something we will develop together,” she added.
She stated that the development of this methodology will be conducted alongside relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that emission reductions from the port sector can be calculated accountably before being integrated into the NEK scheme.
The development of this scheme is part of the implementation of Carbon Economic Value (NEK) as regulated under Presidential Regulation Number 110 of 2025. This instrument supports Indonesia’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31.89 per cent through domestic efforts and 43.20 per cent with international support by 2030, as well as the target of net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner.
The opportunity for incentives was discussed during the launch of the Green and Smart Port Initiatives (GSPI) ASRI 2026, which encourages the implementation of environmentally friendly and technology-based ports through assessments of environmental and digitalisation aspects.
The Green and Smart Port programme has been running since 2019. Up to 2025, 41 ports have undergone assessment, while eight ports met the criteria to receive Green and Smart Port certification and awards on 15 July 2026.
Nani stated that the environmental aspect is the primary component of the Green and Smart Port assessment, carrying an 80 per cent weight, while the technology and digitalisation aspect, or smart port, carries a 20 per cent weight.
She explained that the environmental assessment includes port and ship waste management, the use of renewable energy, mangrove restoration, and carbon emission reduction efforts.
“The most important aspect is environmental attention. Therefore, mangrove planting is mandatory, renewable energy is expected, and the management of waste from both the port itself and incoming ships is also assessed,” she revealed.
Tatang Yuliono, Deputy for Coordination of Food Trade and Distribution at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, said the incentive opportunity could increase the interest of port operators in participating in the Green and Smart Port assessment.
“We are confident that if there are incentives for Green and Smart Ports, then if it becomes mandatory, ports will be very eager to comply because there are incentives and opportunities to be gained,” said Tatang.
As a government partner in conducting assessments, the State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) survey services holding company, IDSurvey, supports the development of standards and the certification process for green ports in Indonesia.
David Sirait, Chief Operating Officer of IDSurvey, stated that the transformation towards Green and Smart Ports is not merely about meeting regulatory requirements, but is a long-term investment to enhance national competitiveness.
According to him, IDSurvey—alongside PT Sucofindo, PT Surveyor Indonesia, and PT Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia—is committed to supporting the development of Green and Smart Ports through insurance, verification, inspection, and certification services to strengthen the national logistics system.
“The transformation towards Green and Smart Ports is not just about regulatory compliance, but sustainability. If competitiveness increases and logistics capabilities improve, the economy we aspire to will also improve,” said David.