Spatial and socioeconomic characteristics of CO₂ emissions and sequestration in Indonesian cities

In dealing with the impacts of climate change, mitigation efforts play a crucial role. As one of the G20 countries on the list of the top 5 biggest contributors to emissions, Indonesia must play an active role. With all their characteristics and as one of the most significant contributors to global emissions, cities are fully responsible as a core area for climate mitigation. By analyzing the spatial and socioeconomic characteristics within the city scope, this study examines 32 representative cities and municipalities in Indonesia to understand the condition of carbon emissions and sequestration. Emissions and sequestration in selected cities in Indonesia show varying statuses; most cities have higher emission levels than sequestration, but some cities do the opposite. In addition, emissions and sequestration are also influenced by many complex and interrelated factors, including spatial (distribution, intensity, LULC, geographical conditions, total area), social (total population, urbanization rate, employment rate), economic (GDP/GRDP), and technological (industry structure and energy sector). As an archipelagic country, the uniqueness of cities in Indonesia, primarily located in coastal and waterfront areas, also influences the emission intensity, which tends to be lower in these areas on a micro basis. Cities classified as economically developed contribute more emissions at the national level. Therefore, a characteristic-based classification of the selected cities can encourage policy implications according to the characteristics of each city. These cities can learn from each other, especially from cities with high sequestration rates, to develop in a sustainable way while supporting national mitigation targets.