Comparative Studies of Two Assistant Projects on Local Climate Change Adaptation Policies in Indonesia

Abstract

Aims: This study examines how international assistance influences the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into local development planning, focusing on two case studies in Indonesia: Climate Change Impact Assessment (CCIA) project supported by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, and the USAID Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience (CCAR) project. Drawing on in-depth interviews with government officials and project representatives, as well as a document analysis of the regional mid-term development plan (RPJMD), and project reports, the study investigates the processes and outcomes of adaptation mainstreaming during the agenda-setting and the policy formulation phases. Results: The research reveals that while both projects contributed to raising awareness and building institutional engagement, key differences in project design—particularly the inclusion of vulnerability assessments, pilot activities, and stakeholder participation—significantly influenced the degree to which adaptation was integrated into planning and budgeting frameworks. The CCAR project’s use of vulnerability assessments and demonstration projects enhanced local ownership and facilitated measurable integration into policy instruments. In contrast, the CCIA project lacked these elements, limiting its policy impact despite strong technical outputs. The findings highlight that effective mainstreaming of climate change adaptation requires not only scientific assessments but also iterative engagement, contextual relevance, and implementation.