ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia has officially launched a major initiative to confront the growing threat of methane emissions, as the government joined forces with Global Green Growth Institute and the Government of South Korea to roll out the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM) project in Jakarta on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The initiative signals rising concern over Indonesia’s mounting waste crisis, with authorities warning that organic waste in landfills has become a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
The government revealed that around 63 percent of waste disposed in the country’s landfills consists of organic material capable of generating methane emissions estimated at 21 million tons of CO₂ equivalent.
Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, stressed that waste management is no longer merely a sanitation issue, but a critical pillar of the country’s climate agenda.
“Waste management is not simply about cleanliness; it is a crucial component of our climate action strategy. Through the AKCMM project, Indonesia is committed to linking practical solutions on the ground with ambitious methane reduction targets,” Jumhur said.
Indonesia is the third ASEAN country to implement the AKCMM program after Malaysia and the Philippines. The three-year initiative is valued at USD 20 million and operates under the Partnership for ASEAN-ROK Methane Action (PARMA), funded by the South Korean government through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).
South Korea’s Ambassador to ASEAN, LEE Chul, described methane mitigation as one of the fastest and most effective ways to slow global warming.
“The Republic of Korea is proud to partner with Indonesia and ASEAN through the AKCF. Methane mitigation is one of the most strategic efforts to slow global warming. The AKCMM project reflects Korea-ASEAN solidarity in addressing the global climate crisis through concrete technical and financial support,” he stated.
Meanwhile, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, San Lwin, emphasized that methane reduction remains an essential component of ASEAN’s broader climate strategy and regional transition toward low-carbon development.
“AKCMM contributes significantly to strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing technical capacity, and supporting practical climate action implementation across ASEAN member states,” San Lwin noted.
At the same event, Rowan Fraser highlighted Indonesia’s long-standing challenge of translating national climate policies into effective local implementation. According to Fraser, the AKCMM project aims to bridge this gap through improved emissions monitoring systems and the development of financially viable green investment schemes.
“By improving emissions measurement systems and designing appropriate financing mechanisms, we are not only reducing greenhouse gas impacts, but also creating economic efficiency in urban waste management,” Fraser explained.
The AKCMM implementation will be coordinated through Indonesia’s National Working Forum, focusing on policy strengthening, emissions monitoring systems, financially feasible green projects, and enhanced regional climate dialogue.
The program is also aligned with Indonesia’s 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and is expected to strengthen the country’s position in Southeast Asia’s growing green diplomacy and climate leadership efforts.
As additional information, Global Green Growth Institute is an international treaty-based organization supporting the transition toward green growth through policy development, capacity building, and sustainable green investment.
The organization currently has 52 member states and operates programs in more than 50 countries to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global climate commitments. (AT Network)
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