Riau Provincial Government participated in London Climate Action Week

Riau Governor Abdul Wahid's attendance at the London Climate Action Week activity on June 23, 2025, received appreciation from prospective carbon trading investors. His participation is part of the Riau Provincial Government's support for the Indonesian government to implement Article 6 of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

Carbon credit buyers which took part in the London Climate Action Week included major companies such as Shell, Microsoft, Standard Chartered, Emergent, and Citigroup, as well as governments such as the Greater London Authority (GLA) and organizations involved in green projects.

Large companies and organizations involved in this green project are obliged to purchase carbon credits to offset the emission footprint caused by their industry as a form of full commitment to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The companies are looking for a jurisdiction that is considered ready to implement a carbon trading scheme according to the Paris Agreement, with the main consideration being strong commitment by the involved central and local governments for the carbon credit scheme.

Forestry Ministry Climate Change Expert Staff Haruni Krisnawati, who represented the Indonesian Government for her presentation session, conveyed Indonesia's readiness with the support of the Riau Provincial Government's commitment to support a green economy in Indonesia.

Haruni explained that Riau is one of the provinces that has a strong initiative for sustainable development, especially in reducing carbon emissions.

"The Indonesian Government is committed to reducing carbon emissions together with the Riau Provincial Government," she added.

Acting Riau Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) Head Purnama Irawansyah, who accompanied Abdul Wahid for the meeting, explained that there were at least three main issues that were discussed by carbon credit buyers in finding sellers. First, policy initiatives at the regional level. Second, their readiness in terms of provincial UNFCC REDD+ architecture. Third, the alignment of commitments between a country's government and its regional governments.

Purnawan stated that Abdul Wahid's participation in the London Climate Action Week was a strategic step for the Indonesian carbon credit market because Riau has great potential for absorbing global carbon emission. He added that the governor's attendance also showed his commitment to creative solutions for development challenges amid the state budget deficit situation.

"The governor's presence is to convince potential buyers together with the [central] government. The central government and regional governments must be in harmony," Purnawan said.

"Riau already has a policy initiative, namely Green for Riau, our REDD+ architecture readiness is also underway, and the Riau Governor has met several times directly with the relevant ministers to convey his commitment to support the government in implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement," he added. "Alhamdulillah, there are already investors who are interested, we will follow up on it later."