Manta ray populations are surging in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago
A new study from the University of Auckland shows that reef manta ray populations in the region have seen up to 10.7% compound annual increase from 2009-2019.
Indonesia
This archive collects solutions-journalism stories and milestones from Indonesia — covering health, environment, community development, and more. Each entry highlights real progress made by people, organizations, and communities across the archipelago.
Indonesia seals $20 billion deal with G7 to speed up clean energy transition
Under the partnership, Indonesia will aim to cap its emissions from the power sector by 2030, faster than the initial target of 2037, and to generate 34% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Norway to pay Indonesia $56 million for drop in deforestation and emissions
In the deal, the Nordic country will pay Indonesia, home to the world’s third-largest tropical forests, to keep its forests standing, thereby reducing its emissions.
Indonesia announces plan to protect 10% of its seas by 2030, and 30% by 2045
Indonesia’s marine protection plan is one of the most ambitious ocean commitments any nation has made — a two-phase expansion that would eventually shield nearly a million square kilometers of some of Earth’s most biodiverse waters. The country’s eastern seas sit within the Pacific Coral Triangle, home to more reef fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Experts are cheering the target while urging the government to prioritize genuinely effective, community-centered management over coverage alone. If Indonesia gets this right, it could become a model for tropical nations across the Indo-Pacific.
Japan withdraws funding for major coal projects in Indonesia and Bangladesh, effectively canceling them
Two planned coal-fired power plants, one in Indonesia and the other in Bangladesh, have had their funding withdrawn by the Japanese government, as part of Tokyo’s decision to no longer bankroll coal projects in either country.
Indonesia issues long-delayed rules to protect migrant fishing workers
Marine activists have welcomed the decree, which they say should help improve the global fisheries sector, given that vessels where worker abuse is rife also tend to be engaged in illegal fishing activities.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. pledges to plant 6 million trees across the U.S., Brazil, India, and Indonesia
Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Teen, West Elm, and others will plant one tree for every piece of indoor wood furniture sold.
Indonesia declares largest manta ray sanctuary in the world
Indonesia, a nation that has been the world’s largest fishery for sharks and rays for decades, has announced legislation that will fully protect all manta rays within its nearly 6 million square km exclusive economic zone.
Indonesian army ends ‘two-finger’ virginity tests on female recruits
The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) conducted investigations into the practice in 2014, 2015 and 2017, with experts labeling the tests abusive, unscientific and discriminatory.
Indonesia sees lowest rates of deforestation in 30 years
In 2020, Indonesia, home to one third of the world’s tropical rainforests, achieved its lowest forest-loss rates since monitoring began, totaling a 75% drop year-over-year.