Ecobiz.asia — Indonesia has officially launched the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM) project as part of efforts to accelerate methane emissions reduction and expand waste-to-energy development across the country.
The project was launched in Jakarta on Thursday (May 21, 2026) by Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
Indonesia becomes the third ASEAN member state to implement the program after Malaysia and the Philippines.
Indonesia’s Environment Minister and Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, said organic waste management has become a key priority in the country’s climate action agenda.
With organic materials accounting for around 63% of waste disposed in landfills, Indonesia’s methane emissions potential is estimated at 21 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
“Waste management is not merely a sanitation issue, but a crucial pillar of our climate action. Through the AKCMM project, Indonesia is committed to connecting practical on-the-ground solutions with ambitious methane emissions reduction targets,” Jumhur said.
He stressed that methane mitigation must be treated seriously because methane has a far greater short-term warming impact than many other greenhouse gases.
According to Jumhur, Indonesia’s main methane emission sources are dominated by open dumping landfills and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). In response, the government is accelerating the adoption of waste-to-energy and electricity generation technologies in dozens of regions nationwide.
AKCMM is a three-year US$20 million cooperation program under the Partnership for ASEAN-ROK Methane Action (PARMA), supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).
Republic of Korea Mission to ASEAN Ambassador LEE Chul said methane mitigation is among the most effective short-term interventions to slow global warming.
“The Republic of Korea is proud to partner with Indonesia and ASEAN through the AKCF. The AKCMM project reflects Korea-ASEAN solidarity in addressing the global climate crisis through concrete technical and financial support,” he said.
Meanwhile, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community San Lwin said the initiative would strengthen regional cooperation on low-carbon development and climate resilience across Southeast Asia.
GGGI Indonesia Country Representative Rowan Fraser said the AKCMM project was designed to bridge the gap between national policies and local implementation.
“By improving emissions measurement systems and developing appropriate financing schemes, we are not only reducing greenhouse gas impacts, but also creating economic efficiencies in urban waste management,” Rowan said.
The implementation of AKCMM will be coordinated through a National Working Forum focusing on policy strengthening, emissions monitoring systems, financially viable project development, and regional dialogue enhancement.
The program also supports Indonesia’s 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and reinforces the country’s role in regional green diplomacy. ***
