Menuju Net Zero Emission Indonesia Jalan Alternatif Dekarbonisasi

Indonesia's journey towards Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060 requires a multifaceted approach, argues Cyrillus Harinowo, a monetary expert and author of Multi-pathway for Car Electrification. He challenges the prevailing focus on electric vehicles (EVs) as the sole solution, proposing a more diverse strategy incorporating various technologies to achieve significant carbon emission reductions.

Challenging the EV-centric Approach

Harinowo's book directly confronts the assumption that EVs are inherently environmentally friendly. He highlights that factors like the electricity source used for charging significantly impact their overall carbon footprint. In Indonesia, where a substantial portion of electricity generation relies on fossil fuels, even EVs contribute to carbon emissions. He suggests that low-cost green cars (LCGCs), hybrids, and flex-fuel vehicles could offer more environmentally sound alternatives in certain contexts.

Exploring Alternative Pathways

Drawing inspiration from global decarbonization efforts, Harinowo's research spans various technological advancements in the automotive sector across Europe, America, and Southeast Asia. The book details the diverse strategies employed by different countries in their decarbonization journeys, offering a comprehensive overview of the automotive landscape. He emphasizes the complexity of transitioning solely to EVs, particularly in developing nations.

The Brazilian Example and Indonesia's Potential

Harinowo uses Brazil as a compelling case study. Brazil's success in reducing emissions through the adoption of bioethanol, produced from its sugarcane industry, highlights the potential for developing nations to leverage their unique resources for sustainable transportation. He suggests Indonesia could similarly capitalize on its resources, focusing on dominating the supply chain for EV technology and flex-fuel engines, utilizing its significant nickel reserves for battery production.

Hybrids and a Balanced Approach

The increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles in the US further supports Harinowo's argument for a diversified approach. He advocates for a balanced strategy, incorporating a variety of environmentally friendly automotive technologies to meet Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets for 2030 and the NZE vision by 2060. This approach, while counter to current trends, could yield significant emission reductions, potentially achieving a 50% decrease.

What alternative technologies does Harinowo suggest for Indonesia's decarbonization efforts?

Harinowo proposes low-cost green cars (LCGCs), hybrids, and flex-fuel vehicles as viable alternatives to solely relying on electric vehicles for Indonesia's decarbonization goals. He highlights that these options can be more environmentally sound than some EVs, depending on the electricity source used for charging.

How does Harinowo's perspective on electric vehicles differ from the prevailing view?

Harinowo challenges the widespread belief that electric vehicles are automatically the best solution for reducing carbon emissions. He argues that other technologies, considering Indonesia's energy infrastructure, can contribute significantly to achieving its NZE targets.

What example does Harinowo use to illustrate the success of alternative fuel technologies?

Harinowo uses Brazil as a successful example. Brazil has significantly reduced emissions by utilizing bioethanol from its sugarcane industry as a vehicle fuel, along with developing biodiesel and flex-fuel vehicles. This demonstrates the potential for developing nations to leverage their resources for sustainable transportation.

What are the potential benefits for Indonesia in pursuing a multi-pathway approach to decarbonization?

Indonesia could potentially dominate the supply chain for electric vehicle technology and flex-fuel engines, leveraging its nickel reserves for battery production. A multi-pathway approach offers economic benefits through industrial growth and aligns with the country's NZE vision.

What is the main argument presented in Harinowo's book, "Multi-pathway for Car Electrification"?

The book's central argument is that a multi-pathway approach to decarbonization, incorporating various environmentally friendly vehicle technologies beyond just electric vehicles, is necessary and more effective for Indonesia, given its current energy infrastructure and developmental stage.

What is the significance of Indonesia's 2030 NDC targets in relation to Harinowo's arguments?

Indonesia's 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets underscore the urgency of reducing emissions. Harinowo argues that non-electric, environmentally friendly vehicles offer a quicker and more impactful path to meet these targets, potentially reducing emissions by 50%, in the short-term before full EV adoption is feasible.

A Multifaceted Solution

Ultimately, Harinowo's research underscores the need for a nuanced perspective on Indonesia's decarbonization efforts. Rather than relying solely on electric vehicles, a comprehensive strategy encompassing diverse technologies, including hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles, and biofuels, offers a more effective and sustainable pathway toward achieving the country's NZE goals. This approach leverages Indonesia's unique resources and acknowledges the realities of its current energy infrastructure.