In recent years, the concept of sustainability has increasingly influenced international relations, with nations recognizing the importance of sustainable development for long-term economic growth, environmental preservation, and social stability. Despite challenges in the realm of diplomacy and international politics, Indonesia and Taiwan–both critical players in the Asia-Pacific region–have been strengthening their bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and technology exchange. However, as these two economies collaborate more closely, they also face various sustainability challenges. These challenges, if addressed effectively, could present significant opportunities for both nations. This essay explores the sustainability challenges and opportunities in Indonesia-Taiwan relations, focusing on how keeping the balance between the environmental and economic nexus would be in the best interest of both nations.
Disappearing Wilderness: Deforestation and the Vanishing Biodiversity of Indonesia vis-a-vis Taiwan
One of the most pressing environmental sustainability challenges in Indonesia is deforestation, which leads to significant biodiversity loss. In the last half century, more than 74 million hectares of Indonesian rainforest—an area twice the size of Germany—have been logged, burned, or degraded (Greenpeace, 2024). This deforestation is largely driven by the expansion of palm oil plantations, with Indonesia producing over 54% of the world's palm oil in 2024 (ANTARA News, 2024).
This large-scale deforestation has dire consequences for biodiversity, with Indonesia being home to about 10% of the world’s known plant species, 12% of mammal species, and 17% of all known bird species (Rainforest Action Network, 2024). The loss of habitat threatens species such as the Sumatran tiger and orangutan, pushing them closer to extinction.
For Taiwan, which has been increasingly committed to environmental sustainability, engaging with Indonesia on this issue is both a challenge and an opportunity. Taiwan’s industries, particularly those involved in palm oil imports, are directly linked to the environmental impacts in Indonesia. Taiwan’s commitment to sustainable development, as seen in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, suggests that there is potential for collaboration. Taiwan could promote the import of certified sustainable palm oil and invest in reforestation projects in Indonesia as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Silent Seas: The Double Threat of Pollution and Overfishing across the Pacific
Marine pollution and overfishing are significant environmental challenges shared by both Indonesia and Taiwan. Indonesia contributes approximately 3.2 million metric tons of plastic waste into the oceans annually, making it the second-largest contributor to marine plastic pollution globally (The Jakarta Post, 2024). This pollution endangers marine life and affects the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the oceans for food and income.
Taiwan, while less of a contributor to marine pollution on a global scale, faces its own challenges. With its extensive fishing industry, Taiwan has been criticised for overfishing and illegal fishing practices, which have contributed to the depletion of global fish stocks. In 2020, Taiwan’s fisheries exported over $2 billion worth of seafood (SEAFISH, 2020), but this success has come at an environmental cost, particularly in terms of declining fish populations
Both countries share a reliance on maritime resources, with Indonesia being the second-largest fish producer in the world, contributing about 6.5 million metric tons to global fish production annually (Tran, et al. 2017). Taiwan’s advanced recycling systems, with a recycling rate of 55% (Smithsonian Magazine, 2019), and its efforts to regulate its fishing industry, such as implementing stricter fishing quotas, could serve as a model for Indonesia. Collaborative efforts to address marine pollution, improve waste management, and promote sustainable fishing practices could greatly benefit both nations.
Trapped in the Past: The Perils of Fossil Fuel Dependence for Both Nations
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers of coal, with coal exports contributing significantly to its economy. In 2023, Indonesia produced around 775 million metric tons of coal, a record high in a while (Indonesia Business Post, 2024), with 70% of it being exported, primarily to countries like China, India, and Taiwan. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels poses a significant economic sustainability challenge as the global community shifts towards renewable energy sources. The declining demand for coal and the increasing push for decarbonization threaten Indonesia’s economic stability.
Taiwan, which imports over 98% of its energy needs, including a significant portion of coal from Indonesia, is also at a crossroads. Taiwan’s energy transition, aiming to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, up from about 6% in 2019, highlights its efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels (Reuters, 2023). This transition presents challenges, primarily on ensuring energy security and managing the economic impact brought about by the process. It is possible that sectors dependent on fossil fuels may encounter disruptions and increased costs as they transition to cleaner energy sources.
The potential for collaboration between Indonesia and Taiwan extends beyond trade in fossil fuels. Investments and joint ventures in clean energy initiatives could create mutually beneficial new economic opportunities. Indonesia and Taiwan can leverage their respective strengths—Indonesia’s abundant natural resources and Taiwan’s advanced technology—to advance renewable energy projects. For instance, Indonesia’s vast potential for solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower energy (The National Energy Council, 2023) can be better harnessed with Taiwan’s innovative expertise in renewable energy infrastructure. On the other hand, this partnership would also help Taiwan secure more sustainable and diversified energy sources.
Empowering Tomorrow: Uniting Youth Across the Seas for Sustainability
Youth collaboration between Indonesia and Taiwan holds significant potential for advancing sustainability goals in both nations. With the plight of climate change, the younger generation in both countries is increasingly aware of sustainability issues and is eager to drive positive change. By fostering youth-led initiatives and collaborative projects, Indonesia and Taiwan can empower their young people to become leaders in sustainability.
One particular way is through academic collaboration between universities and research institutions in Indonesia and Taiwan. Which can play a crucial role in addressing sustainability challenges. Youth from both countries, particularly university students and young researchers, can engage in joint research projects focused on sustainability issues such as climate change adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development.
For example, students from Taiwan’s National Taiwan University and Indonesia’s Universitas Indonesia could collaborate on research related to climate change impacts on agriculture or the development of sustainable tourism models. By working together, they can combine their expertise and resources to produce high-quality research that informs policy and practice in both countries. Additionally, exchange programs and joint degree programs can further strengthen academic ties and provide students with valuable international experience.
Youth from Indonesia and Taiwan can also collaborate on community-based sustainability projects and volunteer initiatives. These projects could focus on local issues such as reforestation, waste management, or sustainable agriculture, and could involve youth working directly with communities to implement sustainable practices.
For example, a joint reforestation project in Indonesia could bring together volunteers from both countries to plant trees in deforested areas, helping to restore ecosystems and sequester carbon. Similarly, a waste management project in Taiwan could involve Indonesian youth learning from Taiwan’s successful recycling programs and implementing similar initiatives in their communities back home. By engaging in these hands-on projects, youth from Indonesia and Taiwan can make a tangible impact on sustainability while also building cross-cultural understanding and solidarity.
Conclusion
In navigating the path toward sustainability, Indonesia and Taiwan must balance their economic growth with environmental preservation, addressing shared challenges such as deforestation, marine pollution, and fossil fuel dependence. Both nations have the opportunity to collaborate on solutions, leveraging Taiwan’s technological expertise and Indonesia’s rich natural resources. The involvement of youth from both countries is crucial, as they can drive innovation and lead community-based sustainability initiatives. By working together, Indonesia and Taiwan can build a future where sustainability is integrated into their development strategies, ensuring long-term economic stability and environmental resilience for both nations.
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References:
ANTARA News. (2024) Indonesia accounts for 54% of global palm oil exports: minister. Retrieved from ANTARA News: https://en.antaranews.com/news...
Greenpeace. (2024) Indonesia Forests Defending the Paradise Forests from paper and palm oil companies. Retrieved from Greenpeace: https://www.greenpeace.org/usa...
Indonesia Business Post. (2024). Indonesia’s coal production hits a record high of 775 million tons in 2023. Retrieved from Indonesia Business Post: https://indonesiabusinesspost.com/uncategories/indonesias-coal-production-hits-record-high-of-775-million-tons-in-2023/#:~:text=The%20national%20coal%20production%20for,it%20reached%20133%20million%20tons.
Rainforest Action Network. (2024) Indonesia’s Rainforests: Biodiversity and Endangered Species. Retrieved from Rainforest Action Network: https://www.ran.org/indonesia_...
Reuters. (2023). Taiwan aims to shed dirty power reputation with big wind push. Retrieved from Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/market...
SEAFISH (2020). “Seafood social profile Taiwan - January 2020” in Ethical Issues in Seafood. Retrieved from SEAFISH: https://www.seafish.org/document/?id=10d25026-c31b-486e-9ef2-c87ae95ccaed.
Smithsonian Magazine. (2019). How Taiwan Has Achieved One of the Highest Recycling Rates in the World. Retrieved from Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com...
The Jakarta Post. (2024). Taking plastics full circle: Creating a sustainable future in Indonesia. Retrieved from The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2024/05/02/taking-plastics-full-circle-creating-a-sustainable-future-in-indonesia.html.
The National Energy Council (2023). Indonesia Energy Outlook. Retrieved from The National Energy Council of the Republic of Indonesia: https://www.den.go.id/publikasi/Outlook-Energi-Indonesia.
Tran, N., et. al. (2017). “Indonesian aquaculture futures: An analysis of fish supply and demand in Indonesia to 2030 and role of aquaculture using the AsiaFish model”, Marine Policy, 79: 25-32.
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About the Author:
Andy Fernanda Probotrianto,Public Policy Specialist at Pijar Foundation | Indonesia
Andy is a Public Policy Researcher at Pijar Foundation, a futurist non-profit philanthropy based in Jakarta, Indonesia. He plays a key role in shaping policies that foster a collaborative ecosystem to address disruptions affecting the future of our planet and talent. With extensive experience in research, editorial work, and publication at a leading nationally-accredited academic journal, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. His previous leadership of a research unit within a student-run policy community has further enriched his expertise in human security and sustainable governance.
Andy welcomes discussions and inquiries at [email protected], +62 821 4114 1047, or via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-fernanda-probotrianto/.