ASIATODAY.ID, BERLIN – Indonesia is stepping up diplomatic efforts to build a coalition of island and coastal nations to address rising sea levels and climate-driven displacement, as it pushes the global “climate mobility” agenda ahead of COP31 under the UN climate framework.
Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Hendropriyono, said Indonesia aims to ensure that climate adaptation policies focus not only on technical mitigation, but also on protecting communities at risk of displacement.
“Climate mobility is ultimately about people—their homes, livelihoods, and futures,” Diaz said on the sidelines of the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026.
Outreach to vulnerable island states
Indonesia held a series of bilateral meetings with leaders and officials from Pacific and Indian Ocean island states, including Palau, Tuvalu, the Maldives, and representatives from Tajikistan, to discuss long-term adaptation strategies and potential cooperation frameworks.
The talks also included discussions with South Africa on strengthening practical implementation of climate resilience measures.
Building momentum toward COP31
In meetings with German climate officials, Indonesia urged the formation of a broader coalition to elevate climate mobility into formal negotiations at COP31 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“What is needed is political will and momentum to ensure the next steps have real impact,” Diaz said.
Indonesia as a strategic bridge
The Global Centre for Climate Mobility said Indonesia is well positioned to act as a bridge between developed economies and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), given its experience as a large archipelagic nation with more than 17,000 islands.
Indonesia, it said, could serve as a model for balancing development and climate resilience while linking North-South climate priorities.
Rising risks for archipelagic nations
Diaz warned that the impacts of climate change are already evident in Indonesia, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather events affecting millions across its islands.
“These conditions require special recognition for archipelagic and coastal states in global climate frameworks,” he said. (AT Network)
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