Vice Finance Minister: Decarbonization Opens New Economic Opportunities

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Vice Finance Minister, Suahasil Nazara, emphasized that decarbonization is not only a challenge for industry but also creates new economic opportunities through efficiency, financing, investment, and increased competitiveness. Suahasil made the remarks during the Pertamina International Shipping Leaders Talk titled “The Fiscal Economics of Decarbonization: What It Means for Indonesia's Shipping Industry.”

“Decarbonization, which we have committed to and believe must be pursued because we want to leave a better world for future generations, is not an obstacle to growth or economic activity. Instead, it represents potential for new economic activities,” Suahasil said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

According to him, businesses need to understand policies aimed at developing a low-carbon economy as part of the changing global economic landscape.

He said the government continues to develop the low-carbon economic ecosystem through various fiscal policy instruments, including carbon pricing, tax incentives for low-emission technologies, de-risking schemes, and sustainable financing such as Green Sukuk, Blue Bonds, and SDG Bonds.

Meanwhile, Suahasil said Indonesia's domestic carbon market still needs to be strengthened. Indonesia has had a Carbon Exchange since 2023, but efforts are still needed to improve its liquidity, integrity, and price discovery mechanism.

“Ideally, carbon produced in Indonesia should also be sold in Indonesia, and there is no shortage of demand in Indonesia,” he said.

Specifically for the shipping sector, the Vice Minister encouraged industry players to translate decarbonization policies into business strategies and competitive advantages. He said companies could seize opportunities through investment in low-emission technologies, improved operational efficiency, green financing, and growing customer demand for low-carbon transportation services.