ASIATODAY.ID, SINGAPORE – Indonesian investor and public figure Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno expressed strong optimism that Asia is on track to become the global leader in the green economy and carbon market.
Speaking at the BNP Paribas Sustainable Future Forum 2025 in Singapore, October 30, 2025, he emphasized that the region’s vast population and biodiversity represent an unparalleled strategic advantage.
“Asia holds 60 percent of the world’s population and biodiversity. That’s not a vulnerability—it’s our greatest potential,” said Sandiaga Uno.
He noted that through innovation, green financing, and progressive policy reforms, Asia can transform climate risks into economic opportunities and act as the driving force for global decarbonization.
Asia-Pacific at the Center of Carbon Market Growth
According to Sandiaga, the global carbon market is shifting from pledges to measurable performance, with the Asia-Pacific region now contributing over 60 percent of total global demand and supply.
In Indonesia, the momentum is remarkable — carbon trading via IDX Carbon has grown almost fivefold year-on-year, reaching around 700,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent by mid-2025.
“Our current priority is to ensure integrity, traceability, and measurable impact in every transaction,” he said.
Green Investment Opportunities on the Rise
Sandiaga highlighted three major areas driving the surge of green investments in Asia:
1. Nature-based solutions, including mangrove restoration, peatland management, and forest protection.
2. Technology-based innovations such as blockchain-enabled digital monitoring and AI-driven climate data analysis.
3. Supportive ecosystems, including digital carbon exchanges and blended finance frameworks connecting local initiatives with global investors.
He revealed that Indonesia’s nature-based carbon potential is estimated at 13 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent, worth nearly USD 8 billion annually.
Indonesia Reopens International Carbon Trading
Sandiaga also praised Indonesia’s decision to reopen international carbon trading after a four-year pause, calling it a turning point for investor confidence.
“This step creates new liquidity, global access, and transforms our natural capital into investable assets,” he stated.
Early trading on IDX Carbon has shown strong market appetite, with prices reaching USD 8–9 per ton, reflecting high demand for verified, high-integrity projects.
Sandiaga underscored that Indonesia–Singapore collaboration could become a cornerstone of Asia’s carbon leadership. Indonesia brings natural resources and large-scale project potential, while Singapore contributes capital, infrastructure, and expertise.
“Together, we can build regional standards, enable cross-border carbon trading, and establish Asia as the world’s most credible carbon market hub,” he said confidently.
Indonesia’s Vision for a Green Future
Within its National Decarbonization Roadmap, Indonesia focuses on three key priorities:
– Energy transition toward renewables and biofuels,
– Nature-based restoration, including three million hectares of mangroves,
– Digital MRV systems to enhance transparency, monitoring, and accountability.
Closing his remarks, Sandiaga voiced strong confidence in the future of Asia’s green transformation:
“Our message is clear: green economy creates green jobs. Asia’s leadership in sustainability will shape a cleaner, stronger, and more resilient global economy.” (AT Network)
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