Challenges in Development of Mitigation Options: A Case of Bogor City

Abstract

Regardless of increasing concern to climate change, mainstreaming the issue into a development plan has been challenging. A review at Bogor City government's development plans reveals that a range of activities has been incorporated to reduce the City's Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions and these activities have also targeted major and increasing emission sources based on their emissions profile. We identified relevant activities indicated in Medium-Term City Development Plan (Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Daerah - RPJMD) and Medium-Term Sectoral Strategic Plans (Rencana Strategis - RENSTRA) for the periods of 2014-2019. We examined the emission profile and similar to other cities worldwide, energy was revealed as the largest source of emission in Bogor. Emissions from energy sector accounted for 99% of the total city emission and 36% of it come from transportation. We also examined the annual trends. In 2016, Bogor City had a population of 1,064,687, a 10% increase from year 2010. The increase was similar to their GHG emissions which showed a 13% increase in 2016 compared to the 2010' level. The growth between these two parameters, however, was not similar. While Bogor City's population showed a positive trend, despite at smaller rate than in previous years, emissions level in 2016 was actually less than the 2015 level. This significant emission reduction within a year might not merely be the results of mitigation action, but other factor such as economic condition. Review on Bogor City government's Development Plan for the period of 2014-2019 showed six groups of mitigation programmes were being implemented. Some of the activities within the programmes were progressing well while others were having set back. Consultation with relevant agency's officers revealed some operational constraints to the implementation of the mitigation activities. Bogor City has developed a Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) system called Trans Pakuan and has improved pedestrian area to reduce individual vehicle trips. Despite enthusiasm from City Government through these programmes, the increasing trend of e-hail apps transportation was potentially constraining as their ability to cater door-to-door trip is preferable for users than using bus or walking. In the waste sector, lack of segregating habit in households contributed to problems in 3R (reduce, reuse, & recycle) stations. These findings indicate that development of mitigation options needs a comprehensive approach, including consideration of people's habit and acceptance of the options.