Country Profile
Population: 273.9 Million (2020)
Major Threats: Floods, Earthquakes, Volcanic Eruption, Tsunamis
Populations Affected: Urban and Rural Poor, Farms and Fishers, Coastal Communities
Locations Affected: Sumatra and Java (most at risk)
Industries Affected: Agriculture, Fishing, Manufacturing
Compounding Issues: Urban Migration, Poor Land-use Planning, Environmental Degradation, Climate Change
World Risk Index Ranking: 37
Global Climate Risk Index: 64
Indonesia’s 17,000 islands and extensive coastline put it at risk from sea-level rise and various natural disasters, including floods and geological events like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Approximately 40 percent of the population, around 90 million people, face these threats.
While the national government has decentralized disaster and climate change response structures, funding often shifts from preparation and mitigation to emergency response efforts.
Despite allocating one percent of the national budget to disaster and climate change mitigation, many donor agencies, international NGOs (INGOs), and local NGOs struggle to access funding. This is partly due to government policy prioritizing support for government-led programs rather than civil society organizations.
International donors and grantmakers can play a vital role in supporting local organizations focused on community-based disaster preparedness. Whether it’s climate change adaptation in agriculture or awareness and evacuation planning in vulnerable areas, Indonesia requires extensive international support to address climate change and disaster challenges effectively.
The southern and western Indonesian islands, such as Sumatra and Java, are highly susceptible to various hazards, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic activity. Vulnerability is exacerbated by factors like population growth, inadequate infrastructure, and poor land-use planning, leading to settlements in high-risk areas. Nearly 25 million people live in informal settlements exposed to these dangers.
Despite government efforts to reduce disaster-related fatalities, Indonesia still suffers substantial economic losses, around 0.3 percent of GDP (approximately USD$1.5 billion) annually. Major earthquakes can result in damage equivalent to three percent of GDP. To safeguard against crop losses, investments are needed in drought-resistant seeds, diversified crops, and early warning systems. Improved flood management and agricultural infrastructure are essential.
Environmental degradation, including deforestation and damage to protective reefs, mangroves, and wetlands, exacerbates the risk of landslides, floods, and severe storm surges. Jakarta, the capital city, is sinking at a rate of 3.5 centimeters per year, with roughly 40 percent of the city lying below sea level, making it highly prone to flooding. Land subsidence, caused by informal well drilling for groundwater, contributes to this issue. While the city plans to widen rivers to reduce flood risks, many riverbank residents resist relocation due to their reliance on the natural environment.
Indonesia, like much of Southeast Asia, faces an increase in the risk of natural disasters due to climate change. This phenomenon leads to more frequent and severe storms, resulting in both floods and droughts. These shifts have a direct impact on food production and natural resources. Notably, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) projects that for every one-degree Celsius rise in temperature, Indonesia’s rice yield will decrease by 10 percent. Additionally, Indonesia contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions through forest burning for land clearance, a practice that exacerbates deforestation and raises the likelihood of landslides and more severe flooding. These man-made forest fires also lead to up to 300,000 deaths annually and negatively affect air quality in neighboring countries.
Indonesia, boasting the world’s fourth-largest coastline, is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and changing rainy seasons. However, policies and legislation directly addressing Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) remain in the early stages of development.
A number of CCA programs and initiatives have been introduced by national and international NGOs in recent years, focusing mainly on the following areas:
Let's connect! Fill out the form below to start the conversation.
