Ecobiz.asia – Indonesia has called for a stronger role for the BRICS grouping in global environmental governance, arguing that developing countries need greater representation in addressing climate change, pollution and ecological challenges.
The call was delivered by Indonesian Environment Minister and Head of the Environmental Control Agency Moh Jumhur Hidayat at the BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday (Aug. 18, 2026).
Speaking at a high-level plenary attended by representatives of 10 of the 11 BRICS member countries, Jumhur criticized what he described as the retreat of some major developed economies from collective responsibility for tackling pollution and climate change.
He said the situation was particularly concerning because developed economies continue to account for a significant share of global emissions despite their reduced commitment to collective climate action.
Indonesia also stressed that ecosystem protection and climate resilience are increasingly critical for developing countries, particularly archipelagic nations vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather.
With more than 17,000 islands and around 60% of its population living in coastal areas, Indonesia faces direct risks from climate impacts that could undermine development and push vulnerable communities into poverty.
“For Indonesia, climate adaptation is not a peripheral agenda. It is a key pillar of sustainable development and a safeguard for our national prosperity. We have established the 2026-2030 National Adaptation Plan as a roadmap toward a climate-resilient Indonesia and as part of our support for the Indonesia Emas 2045 Vision,” Jumhur said.
Indonesia also highlighted the role of traditional knowledge in strengthening climate resilience, saying adaptation policies should not rely solely on modern science and national-level policies.
Jumhur presented three examples of traditional environmental management practices: Subak in Bali, which provides an integrated approach to water management; Sasi Lompa in Maluku, a customary system for sustainable marine resource conservation; and Awig-Awig, a form of customary community law.
Indonesia said the practices demonstrate how local communities can contribute to environmental conservation and climate adaptation through systems developed over generations.
Biodiversity as Global Ecological Asset
Indonesia also used the BRICS forum to highlight its role as one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and the importance of protecting its ecosystems to global environmental stability.
The country is home to more than 300,000 species, including around 9.7% of the world’s flowering plants, 14% of mammal species and 18% of bird species, according to the Indonesian government.
Indonesia’s marine ecosystems are also part of the Coral Triangle and include around 23% of the world’s mangrove forests, 16% of global marine fish species and 10% of the world’s coral reefs.
The Indonesian delegation said protecting these ecosystems is important not only for national climate resilience but also for livelihoods and ecological stability beyond Indonesia’s borders.
Through its participation in BRICS, Indonesia is seeking to strengthen cooperation among developing countries on climate adaptation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development while promoting greater representation of Global South perspectives in international environmental governance. ***
