Indonesia to Launch Carbon Registry System for National Trading

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government will launch the Carbon Unit Registry System (SRUK) on July 9, 2026. The system will serve as the foundation for a national carbon trading market connected to international markets.

The launch of SRUK marks the beginning of carbon offset trading in the forestry sector. The government has identified an initial potential of about 31.72 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e).

The value of carbon trading in the initial phase is estimated at around IDR 5 trillion (approx. USD 278.70 million). Several international carbon traders have expressed interest in projects in Indonesia.

The decision to launch SRUK was made during a Limited Coordination Meeting of the Carbon Economic Value (NEK) Steering Committee, chaired by Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, who also serves as Chair of the NEK Steering Committee.

The meeting also agreed to accelerate the development of supporting regulations for national carbon trading, beginning with the forestry sector and later expanding to energy, waste, and marine sectors. The government aims to include all sectors once the regulations are finalized.

“Indonesia now has an SRUK that meets international standards. This is a crucial foundation for the carbon market to gain global trust,” said Minister Zulkifli.

He explained that SRUK was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The system is aligned with the Climate Data Steering Committee’s standards to ensure Indonesia’s carbon registry connects with international systems, while safeguarding national interests.

Mandated by Presidential Regulation No. 110/2025 on the Economic Value of Carbon, SRUK serves as Indonesia's national platform for recording all carbon units. The government ensures transparency and accountability of national carbon data through the system, which also prevents double-counting in carbon trading.

“We are committed to ensuring carbon trading has strong governance. All projects must have legal certainty and a favorable business climate,” Zulkifli said.

The forestry sector has been designated as the first sector for carbon offset trading, supported by the Ministry of Forestry Regulations No. 6/2026 and No. 7/2026.

Meanwhile, the President’s Special Envoy for Climate and Energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, said Indonesia has the potential to become a major player in the global carbon market. The next challenge is to accelerate the implementation of policies already prepared.

He noted that carbon trading can attract green investment and create jobs, while also delivering economic benefits to communities. “At COP31, Indonesia must demonstrate tangible implementation. We already have the SRUK and a stronger governance framework,” Hashim said.

The government is optimistic that the launch of SRUK will accelerate progress toward national emission reduction targets. The carbon market is also expected to serve as an instrument for low-carbon economic growth. (Gusti Panji)