Indonesia Poised to Become a Leading Player in the Global Carbon Market, Momentum Strengthened Through IBC’s Strategic Dialogue in New York

The Indonesian Business Council (IBC) completed a strategic visit to the United States, coinciding with New York Climate Week 2025. Through a series of dialogues and high-level meetings, IBC successfully demonstrated Indonesia’s potential in the carbon market and spotlighted its energy transition progress. This visit served to display Indonesia’s strong position as a key player in addressing global climate change due to its extraordinary natural resources and diverse opportunities for sustainable development. 

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Arsjad Rasjid, stated that the visit represents part of Indonesia’s broader efforts to strengthen its position in the global carbon market, encourage the flow of green investment, and promote fair and inclusive climate financing. “It is time for Indonesia to elevate its role in the carbon market. We must not only participate as a supplier of high-quality carbon credits, but also as a rule-maker that advances fairer financing standards and partnerships,” he added. 

The highlight of the IBC delegation’s visit was the “Indonesia Carbon Market Executive Roundtable,” a collaboration between IBC, the Government of Indonesia, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Indonesia Climate and Growth Dialogue (ICGD), Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the ASEAN Alliance on Carbon Market (AACM), and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). The discussion, attended by Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and Energy, brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, investors, and international organizations to cover Indonesia’s readiness for carbon projects, supply chain integrity, and the interconnectivity of policies and market infrastructure. 

“Global investors seek policy certainty, verified high-quality carbon credits, and timely execution, three elements that must advance in parallel for Indonesia to establish itself as a price maker in the region,” Arsjad stated, reaffirming IBC’s commitment to strengthening the carbon market. As of August 2026, IDXCarbon recorded transactions exceeding 1.59 million tons of CO₂e with a total value of nearly IDR 78 billion as of August 2025, reflecting growing market confidence. 

In New York, IBC also facilitated the discussion “Science, People, and Innovation in Nature-based Solutions as an Emerging Industry and Economic Transformation.” The dialogue underscored the importance of the green energy economy amid the trend of power-shoring, as well as the opportunities presented by a blue economy rooted in local ecosystems. The discussion further highlighted the need for traceability in agricultural commodities, the United States’ focus on water, transportation, and aviation infrastructure, as well as the application of AI and data analytics in waste management and the development of new materials. 

Together with the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP), IBC also convened a panel discussion on “Strategies for a Circular Economy Transition: Investing in Nature, Innovation, and Inclusion.” The session highlighted energy transition, the utilization of critical minerals, and circular economy approaches. William Sabandar, Chief Operating Officer of IBC, emphasized Indonesia’s vital role in the global energy transition. “With reserves of critical minerals and strong circular economy potential, Indonesia has the opportunity to attract sustainable investment while delivering tangible solutions for climate targets. Success will be determined by the mobilization of capital, policy support, and inclusive innovation for all stakeholders,” he concluded. 

During these visits, the IBC delegation attended the launch of the Planetary Health Check Report at The New School, along with Prof. Johan Rockström. This launch and its accompanying report served as a reference for aligning development strategies with the Paris Agreement’s target to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Together with the Indonesian Consulate General in New York, IBC encouraged the establishment of a Talent Management Institute, strengthening the Global Cities network (Jakarta-New York), optimizing diaspora talent, and pioneering the Indonesia Center as a one-stop shop for “Indonesia Incorporated” in a discussion. IBC also held a series of high-level meetings with academics and think tanks, including Prof. Joseph Stiglitz and the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), discussing trade-investment policy architecture, a just energy transition, and mitigating global regulatory risks. 

The series of engagements in New York reinforced Indonesia’s credibility as a strategic partner in the green economy. IBC is advancing cross-institutional and cross-industry collaboration to ensure project readiness, access to financing, and market standards aligned with global best practices in the lead-up to the Indonesia Economic Summit 2026.