The Collaboration Between Indonesia and Pacific Island Countries in Facing Environmental Challenges

Abstract

Environmental issues are still the main concern for the Pacific Islands Countries. This region is known to be one of the most exposed to natural hazards and climate change in the world. A recent research showed that at least 8 islands in the Pacific Ocean such as the Islands of Nahlap, Laiap, and Nahtic in Micronesia have disappeared due to rising sea levels. The common threat also happens in Indonesia. As a country located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and surrounded by three tectonic plates makes Indonesia as a disaster-prone area. Furthermore, the impact of climate change has threatened 92 small islands in Indonesia that will potentially drown. Looking at the challenges and threats faced by the countries, building a constructive cooperation in addressing the environmental challenges is important. The purpose of this paper is to identify the environmental security challenges faced by the Pacific Islands Countries, to map out the existing cooperation between Indonesia and the Pacific region, and to elaborate on why this collaboration is important. This paper uses qualitative method with data collection technique through literature study. The research contends that enhancing the technical assistance through South-South and Triangular Cooperation is an effort to strengthen the role of Indonesia in engaging with countries in the Pacific Islands and to address environmental challenges.