Legislators agree to discuss bill on Kyoto Protocol

Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta

The House of Representatives agreed on Thursday to discuss a bill on the Kyoto Protocol, paving the way for the country to ratify the international environmental treaty.

Eight of the nine factions in the House expressed support for discussing the protocol with government officials.

Members of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) faction did not show up for the hearing with State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim on Thursday.

"We do not know the final stance of the factions on this issue. However, we all agree to discuss the bill," the chairman of House Commission I for foreign affairs, Ibrahim Ambong, said on the sidelines of the hearing.

Nabiel told the commission that Indonesia would derive numerous benefits if it ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

"Once Indonesia ratifies the Kyoto Protocol, it will show our commitment to maintaining our level of emissions of gasses that cause the greenhouse effect," the minister said.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997, developed countries pledged to lower their greenhouse gas emissions relative to their levels in 1990. Those countries that are unable to reduce their emissions must provide financial assistance to countries with low emissions, mostly developing countries, to help them keep their greenhouse gas emissions at present levels.

The protocol is officially known as the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

It was drawn up in response to a global increase in natural disasters and other phenomenon believed by many to be the result of global warming. These included massive flooding, severe droughts, forest fires, rising sea levels, changing rain patterns and the depletion of clean water.

Research has shown that climate change and global warming are caused by changes in the composition of greenhouse gases resulting from human activities and the burning of fossil fuels.

The protocol will only come into force after it is signed by at least 55 countries whose total greenhouse gas emissions accounted for at least 55 percent of global emissions in 1990, which was 13.7 gigatons.

The United States, which accounts for 36.1 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, has refused to sign the protocol.

Nabiel emphasized that the Kyoto Protocol adopted the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities".

As of May 14 last year, 108 countries had submitted instruments for the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

Nabiel said all countries, developed and developing, had a role to play in protecting the ecosystem.

He said Indonesia, as a developing country, could receive funds from developed countries that had signed the Kyoto Protocol.

Legislator Imam Addaruqutni of the Reform faction said the government must provide a thorough explanation of projected emission reduction targets.

"The government should prepare a bill on clean development mechanisms," he said.

Sutradara Gintings of the Indonesia Nationhood United (KKI) faction suggested the government set up an office to deal with the issue.

"The implementation of the Kyoto Protocol will also require the diplomatic skills of foreign ministry officials," he said.