Reality and Dynamics: Challenges of Evidence-Based Policy Implementation on Climate Change in Indonesia

In public decision-making, there is a very basic difference between scientific evidence-based policies and decisions based on political interests. Researchers and academics can produce policy recommendations that are supported by strong scientific data and analysis, but their implementation is sometimes hampered by political dynamics that are full of interests and very complex, especially if it is set in a country. The problem of climate change in Indonesia can be a concrete example in exploring between ideal policies and political reality.

The gap between policy and politics, there is a gap between policy and politics where public policy is a decision or a series of actions designed to achieve certain goals for the public interest or designed by the government to overcome problems for the benefit of the community. Policymakers are often faced with various pressures when making decisions – ranging from voter pressure, specific group interests, to limited funds and resources.

The Indonesian government has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The 29% target will be achieved by its own efforts, and the 41% target will be achieved with support from international parties. However, there are many barriers to implementation. Industry and mining often feel their interests are threatened. On the other hand, there is strong pressure to prioritize rapid economic growth, especially considering that our economy is still heavily dependent on natural products. Not to mention the influence of various business groups who have their own economic interests.

Challenges in implementing climate change policies in Indonesia, some of the main obstacles to implementing evidence-based policies in Indonesia are the lack of valid, complete and integrated data. Indonesia has many research institutions that produce data related to climate change but are often not well coordinated. Patent collection methods, the absence of standard compliance related to climate change issues and minimal data accessibility are obstacles.

Indonesia has a complex coordination system between stakeholders, evidence-based policy implementation must involve the central government, regional governments, the private sector and the community. However, because coordination between stakeholders is hampered by overlapping authorities, differences in priorities and sometimes not in sync with regional development or between ministries, this makes policy implementation difficult.

It is necessary to realize that when collecting data, data analysis and application must be carried out by skilled human resources, especially at the regional level. However, obstacles arise when in Indonesia there is a shortage of experts who understand or master the problem of climate change and technical skills in using data as a basis for decision-making.

There are social and political obstacles when implementing climate change policies, because they are often faced with resistance from disadvantaged groups such as forestry or coal industry players. Differences in agendas between the main actors in politics can also lead to the politicization of evidence-based policy policies.

Overcoming the above problems requires strategic steps such as strengthening the national data system, the Government must build a data system that is well integrated and accessible to all stakeholders. Develop sophisticated digital technology, especially now that AI technology has been increasingly developed so that data collection standards are uniform and can be understood by pseudo-parties. Increasing the capacity of human resources such as training, especially state civil servants in the government, has the potential and plays a big role in improving their ability in data analysis and evidence-based decision-making. On the other hand, programs related to increasing knowledge and awareness of the education system in Indonesia must be opened, especially related to climate change. Strengthening coordination between stakeholders must be carried out to improve communication mechanisms involving all parties so that the synchronization of national and regional policies runs well.

Increasing public awareness can be done through educational campaigns involving the mass media, local communities or the private sector to increase public understanding of climate change and related policies. It is useless if the policy will be implemented but the public does not understand the meaning of the purpose of the policy, this will make it difficult to implement the policy.

Policy issues cannot be separated from political reality, which makes the implementation of evidence-based policies difficult to carry out the biggest reason, which is political problems. Conflicts of interest between political actors require visionary leadership and strong leadership. Political leaders who do not have a long-term understanding or vision of climate change often assume that evidence-based policies are not a priority because the results may not be visible during their tenure. Therefore, it is important to provide training and education programs for political leaders on the importance of evidence-based policies for long-term well-being. Public accountability must be increased by publishing periodic reports on policy outcomes so that political leaders feel responsible for their impact.

Successful implementation of evidence-based policies on climate change requires visionary and strong leadership and a balance between short-term political interests and long-term environmental policy needs. Without understanding and commitment from political leaders, as well as support from various stakeholders, policy implementation will still face significant challenges.

Bridging the gap between evidence-based policy and political reality requires a comprehensive and adaptive approach. The success of policy implementation depends not only on the quality of scientific evidence but on the ability to manage political dynamics and build support from various stakeholders.