"Indonesia plays a central role, while on the other hand, this archipelagic state must also shoulder the impact of rising sea surface temperature," Indroyono Soesilo said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia endowed with a vast area of forested land and sea plays a central role in global climate change adaptation and mitigation, according to Secretary of the Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Indroyono Soesilo.

"Indonesia plays a central role, while on the other hand, this archipelagic state must also shoulder the impact of rising sea surface temperature," he said here on Tuesday.

Among the impacts of the rising sea surface temperature will be the disappearance of several islets, El Nino-induced drought, and very long La Nina-induced rainy season, he said.

"There is no other alternative for countries in the world but to work with one another in adapting and mitigating climate change, intensifying climate-monitoring efforts, and sharing knowledge," he said.

Although Indonesia will face the impact of the climate change at home, it will always try to contribute to conserving the planet, he said.

"Among the efforts we have made are proposing a REDD+ program to conserve tropical forests and pioneering the Coral Triangle Initiative to save 75,000 sq km coral reefs in six countries," he said.

In addition, Indonesia is determined to cut CO2 emissions by 26 percent unilaterally and up to 41 percent with international support by 2020, he said. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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