JAKARTA, January 13, 2026 – As 2026 begins, the direction of global policy is undergoing a significant shift with the transition of the G20 presidency from South Africa to the United States (US). Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, represented by National Coordinator Aryanto Nugroho and Deputy Director Meliana Lumbantoruan, participated in a strategic meeting between the C20 (Civil 20) and the Indonesian G20 Sous Sherpa to discuss civil society advocacy strategies amidst increasingly complex geopolitical challenges.
Reflecting on G20 2025: Challenges of Continuity and Fragmentation
The meeting highlighted several critical notes regarding the 2025 G20 implementation in South Africa. Many observers noted a decline in G20 effectiveness, primarily driven by weak continuity in the inter-presidential agenda and sharp geopolitical fragmentation. These challenges were further complicated by frequent misalignments between the Sherpa and Finance tracks, as well as the lack of an adequate formal handover process. This situation is a serious concern for civil society, which seeks to ensure that global commitments do not stall due to political transitions.
The New Paradigm of G20 US 2026: “Back to Basic” and Deregulation
Approaching the 2026 Presidency, Washington has introduced a core principle of “Back to Basic.” Under this framework, the US plans to deregulate the G20 structure to make it more minimalist, focusing on domestic-oriented and elite-level interests. A fundamental shift is evident in the priority issues, where the focus is moving toward “energy abundance” rather than “energy transition,” alongside an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation and trade.
Furthermore, the US is implementing a leaner meeting model, conducting most agendas virtually, with the exception of Sherpa and Ministerial-level meetings. This move toward structural deregulation has reportedly gained support from several other G20 members, including Russia.
PWYP Indonesia’s Strategic Concerns: Energy and Inclusivity
PWYP Indonesia highlighted several crucial points requiring close international monitoring. A primary focus is the pressure on the Net Zero Framework (NZF). Although the NZF is set to be implemented this year, significant challenges remain in maintaining member states’ consistency toward net-zero emission targets amidst shifting global energy priorities.
PWYP Indonesia views the US focus on “energy abundance” over “energy transition” as a potential threat to funding for critical sectors. Notably, among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “Life Below Water” (SDG 14) remains one of the most underfunded. Consequently, PWYP Indonesia is encouraging the Indonesian government to utilize its strategic role—both within the G20 and as the Chair of the D8 (2026-2028)—to bridge this funding gap through collaborative initiatives such as the Ocean Impact Summit.
Strengthening Civil Society’s Voice Amidst Global Turbulence
Given projections that the G20 under US leadership may become less inclusive for civil society, PWYP Indonesia, together with other civil society networks, will strengthen collaborations with international media and various cross-border civil society organizations. This effort will be bolstered by a series of periodic activities and webinars aimed at advocating for civil society’s voice to remain prominent despite a more closed G20 agenda. Through these efforts, PWYP Indonesia is committed to ensuring that the principles of transparency, accountability, and a just energy transition remain priority agendas on the global stage. (AN)