Zulhas Urges Simplification of Carbon Trading Regulations
The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Economic Value of Carbon (NEK), Zulklyfli Hasan (Zulhas), is pushing for the simplification of regulations and governance to ensure that carbon trading can be implemented while maintaining its credibility. Strengthening this framework will pave the way for measurable emission reduction results to gain economic value and attract financing.
He also explained that the Financial Services Authority (OJK) has updated carbon trading regulations through the exchange, including provisions for recording carbon units in the Carbon Unit Registry System (SRUK). This was stated before more than 20 CEOs during the High Level and CEO Forum on Low-Emission Rice and Sustainable Agriculture, held as part of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and NY Climate Week 2026 in New York, USA, recently.
“In the food sector, the opportunities offered include the development of low-emission rice cultivation. Indonesia wants to strengthen food security while developing agricultural practices that are more resource-efficient and lower in emissions. For these changes to be widely implemented, they require technology, financing, market certainty, and clear benefits for farmers,” said Zulhas in a written statement on Wednesday (30/09/2026).
In the waste sector, Zulhas stated that the government is encouraging investment in waste processing facilities that can reduce the burden on landfills while generating energy or economic value.
“Indonesia is facing a waste emergency that must be addressed immediately, one way through waste-to-energy. Therefore, the Indonesian Government is encouraging green investment in the waste sector as a priority,” said Zulhas.
Meanwhile, in the marine sector, green investment is directed towards supporting the sustainable use of resources and improving the welfare of coastal communities, including promoting blue carbon potential. The meeting in New York served as an opportunity for Indonesia to directly engage with potential green investment partners.
“The message brought by the government is that climate action must be translatable into real projects: having a location, an implementer, funding requirements, measures of success, and benefits for the community,” he revealed.
Zulhas also outlined the development of Indonesia’s food sector and the agenda to ensure its sustainability.
“Indonesia’s position is as a country offering cooperation opportunities to link food security, emission reduction, and investment,” he concluded.