Application of Green Politycal Theory in IK-CEPA: Electric Car Automotive

The world's current climate change is increasingly felt by us, especially the hot temperatures during the day and night. Some areas in Indonesia alone have experienced it clearly, especially in mid to late 2023. This is the effect of more carbon dioxide gas emissions and industrial activities that cause global warming and an increase in the earth's average temperature. The occurrence of climate change will hurt all creatures in the world, including humans, animals, and plants. The issue of climate change is now a hot topic in the realm of international politics. There is one subfield of theory in international politics that focuses on the green environment. The theory is green political theory. Several countries cooperate to suppress climate change so that it does not get worse. One of them is bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea.

Indonesia's cooperation with South Korea through a bilateral agreement, namely the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IK-CEPA) negotiations, is interesting to study more deeply, especially in the form of cooperation in the field of electric cars. In the context of international relations, this cooperation can be studied using one of the theories, namely green political theory. What is meant by this green political theory, and how is the application of this theory in the IK-CEPA cooperation relationship between Indonesia and South Korea in the field of electric cars?

Green Political Theory is a branch of political theory that focuses on environmental issues. This theory prioritizes the preservation of non-human nature over human material development. The main attraction of green political theory is its focus on the survival of all natural ecosystems on Earth. It seeks to protect nature for the well-being of humans and non-human species. In general, this theory seeks to address environmental issues through a fundamental restructuring of economic and political institutions to create a decentralized, deindustrialized, and participatory society that is in harmony with the environment. (Dyer, 2018)

Before proceeding to the application of this green theory to Indonesia-South Korea cooperation through IK-CEPA in the field of electric cars, we need to know about IK-CEPA itself. IK-CEPA (Indonesia-South Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) is a bilateral agreement between Indonesia and South Korea that was signed on December 18, 2020, in Seoul, South Korea. This agreement was formed to increase trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. Well, one of the areas of cooperation in the Indonesia-South Korea IK-CEPA is the automotive industry, especially the production of electric cars which aims to campaign for climate change action due to carbon dioxide pollution.  Therefore, Indonesia-South Korea cooperation (IK-CEPA) in the field of electric cars can be related to green political theory. 

In the IK-CEPA cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea in the field of electric cars, the application of green political theory can be relevant. This theory focuses on environmental issues and emphasizes ecological sustainability and social justice in the political decision-making process. In this electric car cooperation, the application of green political theory can cover several aspects, namely:

1.         Promotion of Sustainable Transportation

Electric vehicles are considered more environmentally friendly when compared to engine vehicles with traditional fuels such as gasoline/diesel. The cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea in the field of electric cars is in line with one of the goals of green theory, namely reducing carbon dioxide emissions and minimizing climate change.

2.         Investment in Clean Energy Infrastructure

Investments by South Korean companies included in the IK-CEPA cooperation in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, including the electric vehicle sector. These investments contribute to the energy transition from non-renewable energy to renewable energy.

3.         Technology Transfer and Innovation

This cooperation involves technology transfer between the two countries, which has a significant impact on Indonesia. This is because South Korea is known for its advanced electric vehicle technology and infrastructure. This cooperation enables the exchange of knowledge and expertise in developing and implementing sustainable transportation solutions.

4.         Environmental Impact Considerations

The IK-CEPA cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea is important to prioritize sustainable practices in the production and use of electric vehicles. This cooperation emphasizes the importance of considering the impact on the environment from the production of electric cars to their use.

5.         Joint commitment to climate action

Both Indonesia and South Korea show a commitment to addressing global environmental issues regarding climate change through this IK-CEPA cooperation. This cooperation in the field of electric cars shows that these two countries have a common goal of promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The application of this green political theory cannot be separated from its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of green political theory when applied in the IK-CEPA cooperation in the field of electric cars:

Advantages:

1.           Increased environmental sustainability

Green political theory can encourage the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly natural resources. With the use of electric cars, IK-CEPA contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

2.           Reduction of air pollution

Unlike fossil fuel motorized vehicles, electric car vehicles produce few harmful exhaust gases. Through this IK-CEPA cooperation, it is expected to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in both countries.

3.           Electric car industry development

In the IK-CEPA cooperation, there is an exchange of technology from both countries in the field of electric car automotive. this is beneficial for Indonesia because it can help Indonesia in developing the electric car industry.

Disadvantages:

1.           Charging infrastructure

The main obstacle to using electric cars is having to provide adequate charging infrastructure. Providing this infrastructure requires a large cost or investment, therefore the IK-CEPA cooperation needs to consider this.

2.           The price of electric cars is currently relatively higher than fossil fuel cars. IK-CEPA cooperation can consider the price and availability of electric cars to make them more affordable for the public, especially in Indonesia.

3.           Mileage limitation

Limited mileage is one of the obstacles to using electric cars for long-distance travel.

              There needs to be a joint effort between Indonesia and South Korea to overcome the shortcomings that are an obstacle to IK-CEPA cooperation.

            The IK-CEPA cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea in the field of electric cars has goals that are on the principles of green political theory. The cooperation seeks to campaign for sustainable transportation, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and encourage technological development and innovation. In addition, the IK-CEPA provides new opportunities for economic growth, trade, and investment between Indonesia and South Korea. This cooperation can also strengthen international relations between the two countries. It is hoped that the IK-CEPA agreement can strengthen the cooperative relationship between Indonesia and South Korea in the economic and industrial fields, especially in the field of electric car automotive.

Hi, my name is Iva Nur Istiqomah. I study at Yogyakarta University of Technology, a B-accredited International Relations program. I entered the university in 2022. The reason I studying at UTY is because after not passing 8 times the college entrance examination selection, my brother recommended me to enter UTY. My favorite lecturers while studying at UTY are Mr. Adi Wibawa, S.IP., M. A, Mrs. Lucitania Rizky, S.IP., M. A, and Muhammad Ridha Iswardhana, S.IP., M. A. I plan to focus on international relations studies in the field of business.