Climate change is no longer a distant problem — it’s here, and its impacts are increasingly evident. Yet, Indonesian’s response remains tepid, weighed down by optimism bias. In last year’s study conducted by Illuminate Asia, we explored how this bias manifests in the belief that humanity can reverse climate change’s negative effects, a perspective that can dampen the sense of urgency to act. This year’s findings confirm that optimism bias persists, particularly in Indonesia, and continues to influence public sentiment on climate and sustainability.
The Persistence of Optimism Bias
The latest IRIS study surveyed over 14,000 respondents across 21 countries, including Indonesia that is represented by Illuminate Asia. A striking 78% of Indonesians believe it’s not too late to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, ranking third globally. On the surface, this optimism is heartening — it reflects hope and faith in human capability. However, it also presents a paradox. Optimism bias can create complacency, as people assume that solutions will inevitably emerge, delaying immediate action at both individual and systemic levels.
For example, while concern about climate change remains high at 89%, it has steadily declined from 95% in 2021 and 93% in 2023. More telling is the drop in concern about its local impacts, with only 43% of Indonesians worried about how climate change affects their immediate surroundings, down from 55% last year. This disconnect between recognising a global problem and feeling its local urgency is emblematic of optimism bias. Many view climate change as solvable but fail to acknowledge its immediacy in their own lives.
Familiarity Breeds Apathy?
Compounding the issue is the lack of awareness around key terms and concepts. Only 32% of Indonesians are confident they understand what a "net-zero emissions economy" means, with 18% admitting they are unfamiliar with the term entirely. Without a clear grasp of the goals and pathways to combat climate change, it becomes easier to rely on abstract optimism rather than concrete action. This knowledge gap weakens the push for transformative policies and behavioural changes needed to meet net-zero targets.
Indonesia’s mixed sentiment about achieving net-zero reflects this. While 25% believe the country can achieve it by 2050, a significant 28% think it’s unattainable, and 32% remain unsure. This uncertainty further dilutes momentum. People are unlikely to push for progress when they don’t understand the destination or when optimism assures them the problem will somehow resolve itself.
Prioritising the Planet — But Only at a Distance
Another notable trend that we see at Illuminate Asia is how Indonesians prioritise climate-related issues. A majority (51%) agree that developing renewable energy should be a top national priority, mirroring global sentiments. Similarly, sustainability factors such as product safety, natural ingredients, and biodegradable solutions heavily influence purchasing decisions. Yet, when it comes to addressing CO2 emissions—arguably the cornerstone of climate action—public enthusiasm wanes. Reducing carbon footprints consistently ranks lower in purchase motivators compared to visible, immediate benefits like health and safety.
This gap reveals a cognitive bias where actions with short-term personal benefits are favoured over long-term, less tangible ones. The optimism bias exacerbates this, as individuals believe systemic changes like emissions reductions will happen eventually, often without their direct involvement.
The Role of Local Relevance
The study also underscores the need to localise climate narratives. While Indonesians express strong concern for the planet (71%), far fewer (43%) worry about climate change’s impact on their local environment. This steep decline suggests that broad, global messaging might not resonate as effectively as community-specific stories. For Indonesians to internalise the urgency of climate action, they must see how it directly affects their daily lives—be it through rising sea levels, unpredictable weather patterns, or threats to agriculture. This is consistent with past studies conducted by Illuminate Asia on climate change topic.
Breaking the Cycle of Complacency
To combat optimism bias and its effects, targeted interventions are essential. Public awareness campaigns should aim to strike a balance: maintaining hope while emphasising the tangible, immediate actions individuals and communities must take. For instance, clarifying the implications of "net-zero emissions" and illustrating actionable steps can empower citizens to contribute meaningfully rather than passively relying on broader systems.
Moreover, there is a need for stronger government and corporate narratives around accountability. Indonesians’ high regard for product safety and biodegradable options shows that sustainability can be a key decision driver when framed appropriately. If organisations can connect sustainability efforts to personal well-being and local benefits, they may unlock greater participation and advocacy for climate initiatives.
Moving Forward
The findings of this year’s IRIS study with Illuminate Asia reiterate that optimism bias is a double-edged sword. While it fosters hope and resilience, it can also lull us into a false sense of security, delaying critical action. For Indonesia, the challenge lies in turning this optimism into proactive, grounded efforts that address both local and global climate concerns.
Climate change is an urgent crisis, and reversing its trajectory demands collective willpower. To overcome the barriers posed by optimism bias, we must replace passive hope with empowered action. The time to act is not tomorrow, but today. The question is: can we align our optimism with the urgency required to secure a sustainable future? The answer depends on whether we choose to recognise the stakes and rise to the occasion—before it truly is too late.
About the Study
The 2024 IRIS Global Confidence Study is a comprehensive multi-country research effort designed to capture public sentiment on critical global issues, including economic outlook, healthcare confidence, and perception on climate change. Conducted across 21 countries with over 14,000 respondents, the study includes a nationally representative sample of 500 Indonesians surveyed online by Illuminate Asia. This report by Illuminate Asia delves into Indonesia-specific insights, comparing them with global trends and highlighting cultural nuances. The findings offer businesses actionable knowledge to navigate the complexities of the Indonesian market.
To purchase the full report or to discuss with us how we can help your business uncover insights to help support your business growth, please contact: [email protected]