Like many countries, Indonesia is grappling with the need to reduce deforestation and protect the environment, while promoting energy transition and economic development, in response to global demand for more commodities, climate change mitigation and greener economies. Each of these agendas has its own objectives and contradictions can arise from their design and implementation, resulting in adverse social and environmental outcomes. The current solutions to these global demands — such as renewable energy and conservation projects — come with a significant land footprint and impact heavily on local communities and Indigenous Peoples. This briefing highlights why it is vital for Indonesia and other national governments to bring coherence to their climate and economic governance strategies and define priorities using a rights-based approach to ensure social and environmental benefits.