Intergenerational Justice in Indonesian Climate Policy: Rhetoric or Real Action?

Abstract

This study examines the concept of intergenerational justice in Indonesian climate policy, assessing whether the nation’s climate strategies reflect genuine commitments to future generations or if they are largely rhetorical. As climate change presents long-term challenges, intergenerational equity has become a central theme in global climate discourse, demanding that today’s actions consider the welfare of future populations. Despite growing awareness, Indonesia's climate policies have faced criticism for their insufficient implementation and inadequate focus on future generations, particularly in the context of rapid development, deforestation, and carbon emissions. This paper combines policy analysis, discourse analysis, and case studies of key climate policies to assess the extent to which intergenerational justice is embedded in national frameworks. Findings indicate that while there is rhetoric surrounding intergenerational fairness, concrete actions such as sustainable development policies, long-term emissions reduction plans, and environmental conservation efforts remain insufficiently prioritized. The study further explores how short-term economic interests, political instability, and governance challenges have hindered the adoption of truly future-oriented policies. The contribution of this research lies in critically evaluating the gap between the discourse of intergenerational justice and the practical, often short-sighted actions taken by the Indonesian government. This paper calls for a stronger commitment to intergenerational equity through enhanced policy integration and governance reform, emphasizing that without systemic change, Indonesia's climate response will not safeguard the well-being of future generations.