Indonesia, South Korea Launch $20 Million Methane Mitigation Initiative in Jakarta

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia, South Korea, and the Global Green Growth Institute on Thursday launched a US$20 million methane mitigation project in Jakarta aimed at reducing landfill emissions and strengthening regional climate action commitments across ASEAN.

The three-year ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM) program forms part of the Partnership for ASEAN-ROK Methane Action and is funded by South Korea through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund.

Indonesia has become the third ASEAN member state to implement the initiative after Malaysia and the Philippines. The project focuses on improving waste management systems and reducing methane emissions generated from organic waste.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Environment Minister and Head of the Environmental Control Agency Jumhur Hidayat said methane reduction had become a national priority due to its far greater warming effect compared to carbon dioxide.

“We have just launched this initiative, and it reflects strong joint efforts across ASEAN. It is now being implemented in Indonesia to reduce methane emissions, which have a warming effect 28 to 30 times greater than carbon dioxide,” he said.

Jumhur noted that organic waste management remains central to Indonesia’s climate strategy, with approximately 63 percent of waste sent to landfills consisting of organic material. He warned that such waste composition could generate up to 21 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent methane emissions, highlighting the urgent need for stronger waste treatment systems.

“Waste management is not merely a cleanliness issue, but a crucial pillar of our climate action. Through the AKCMM project, Indonesia is committed to linking practical field solutions with ambitious methane reduction targets,” he added.

The minister also expressed appreciation for the support provided by South Korea and ASEAN partners in promoting greener and more sustainable waste management practices.

South Korean Ambassador to ASEAN Lee Chul described the project as a demonstration of regional solidarity in tackling global warming through practical methane reduction measures.

“The Republic of Korea is proud to partner with Indonesia and ASEAN through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund. Methane mitigation is one of the most strategic efforts to slow global warming,” Lee said.

He added that the AKCMM initiative reflected growing Korea-ASEAN cooperation through concrete technical and financial support to help member states respond to the global climate crisis.

Methane is regarded as one of the most potent greenhouse gases, with scientists identifying rapid reductions in methane emissions as among the most effective short-term measures for slowing global warming.