Jakarta, 19 September 2025 – The Draw The Line: Reset Indonesia coalition held a long march from the Kendal Tunnel to the State Palace in Jakarta to urge the government to take transformative action to address the climate and democracy crises. The action was driven by the increasingly visible impacts of the climate crisis—reflected in the 3,472 disasters throughout 2024 recorded by BNPB, rising living costs, and the shrinking democratic space.
Participants of Draw The Line delivered four demands.
First, Draw The Line calls for decisions that reflect public aspirations through the enactment of the Climate Justice Bill and the Indigenous Peoples Bill, strengthening public participation in decision-making and protection for environmental defenders, as well as decentralization and democratization of energy. This push stems from the fact that many economic burdens ultimately fall on the people and workers.
“This action is a call to draw a clear line and demand real change. Policy direction must be shifted to start from the needs and participation of affected communities, not merely formalities that copy elitist decisions. Climate justice is not only about reducing emissions but also breaking the cycle of inequality that forces people to shoulder the greatest costs,” said Suriadi Darmoko, field organizer of 350.org Indonesia.
Second, they demand that the government protect the public, following numerous recent protest participants who have been arrested, injured, or even killed. The government is urged to release all criminalized demonstrators, return the military (TNI) to the barracks, and end the criminalization of environmental and human rights activists. A safe civic space is a prerequisite for climate justice.
Third, the government is urged to take measures to end economic inequality. This includes implementing special taxes on the super-rich, revoking incentives for the coal industry, imposing windfall profit taxes on extractive sectors, and providing subsidies for decentralized renewable energy development.
“We must remember that many among the super-rich are part of the problem. Their wealth often comes from extractive industries such as mining and palm oil, which suffocate the living spaces of people and the environment. CELIOS research shows that potential wealth taxes from 50 super-rich individuals could reach around Rp81.56 trillion per year with only a 2% tax on their assets,” said Bhima Yudistira, Executive Director of CELIOS.
He added that total tax revenue from various instruments targeting the super-rich and polluters could reach Rp524 trillion. This is the kind of scheme the government must pursue instead of continually burdening the people.
Lastly, they call for the realization of a clean and just energy system by fulfilling the commitment to 100% renewable energy, early retirement of coal-fired power plants, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This means the government must close loopholes for false solutions that extend the life of fossil fuels, strengthen access to fair green electricity, and open financing channels for community-owned clean energy projects. Climate commitments (nationally determined contribution/NDC) must set emission reductions aligned with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming below 1.5°C.
“All decisions about the future must be made fairly and involve those most affected, such as women and young people—rather than being handed over to the desires of planet destroyers and large corporations. The latest climate policies, such as the Second NDC and the Climate Justice Bill, must ensure a safe and decent life for the Indonesian people. There is no genuine transition if we continue increasing dirty energy generation, as shown in the current RUPTL document where we remain trapped in fossil energy. Fair policies and a safe civic space are prerequisites for climate justice,” emphasized Wanda, Community and Engagement Officer of Climate Ranger Jakarta.
Participants attended the action wearing creative costumes as symbols of public expression. Through speeches, art performances, and broad public participation, the action became a symbol of solidarity to push for a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable energy and development system.
