National Accreditation Committee Regulation Number 1 of 2026 Establishes Competency Standards for Validators and Verifiers in National Carbon Trading

Introduction

On 7 July 2026, the National Accreditation Committee (Komite Akreditasi Nasional – KAN) enacted National Accreditation Committee Regulation Number 1 of 2026 concerning Competency Standards for Independent Validators and Verifiers in the Implementation of Carbon Economic Value Instruments (“PERKAN 1/2026”), which took effect on 17 July 2026.

PERKAN 1/2026 establishes standardized descriptions and parameters regarding the knowledge and skills that must be possessed by every professional (validator and verifier) responsible for conducting audits within the national carbon trading ecosystem.

PERKAN 1/2026 was issued to implement Article 85 paragraph (2) of Presidential Regulation Number 110 of 2025 concerning the Implementation of Carbon Economic Value Instruments and National Greenhouse Gas Emission Control. Given that the implementation of Carbon Economic Value (Nilai Ekonomi Karbon – NEK) depends on the validity and accuracy of emissions data, PERKAN 1/2026 establishes competency standards for validators and verifiers to ensure the integrity, objectivity, and credibility of the validation and verification processes so that their results can be scientifically and legally justified.

Key Provisions

Classification of Competency Standards

Pursuant to Article 2, validation and/or verification activities for businesses engaged in Carbon Trading and Results-Based Payments are valid only when carried out by an Independent Validation and Verification Body employing personnel who meet the prescribed Competency Standards. These competency standards are classified into two categories:

·      General competencies; and

·      Specific competencies.

General Competencies

Pursuant to Article 3, every validator and verifier is required to possess the following general competencies:

·      comprehensive understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) programs;

·      proficiency in quantitative and qualitative information (including methodologies and modeling);

·      technical auditing skills; and

·      knowledge of engagement types.

In addition to the foregoing general competencies, validators and verifiers assigned at the organizational level or project level are required to possess specific competencies corresponding to the scope of their assignments, including those relating to the determination of organizational boundaries, project boundary quantification methodologies, and organizational life cycle assessment.

Sector-Specific Competencies

Pursuant to Article 10, specific competencies comprise the technical capabilities of validators and verifiers in planning and conducting validation and/or verification activities across various emissions sectors, including:

• Direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from energy.
• GHG emissions arising from production processes, including chemical reactions and other manufacturing activities.
• GHG emissions and removals from the agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors.
• Specific emissions from the livestock sector.
• Carbon storage capacity in geological reservoirs.
• GHG emissions resulting from the decomposition of waste materials.

Independent Certification and Assessment Standards

As evidence of professional competence, Articles 11 and 12 require every validator and verifier to pass a competency assessment and obtain a personnel competency certificate.

Such certificate may only be issued by a Personnel Certification Body that has obtained accreditation from the National Accreditation Committee (KAN) based on SNI ISO/IEC 17024.

Conformity assessment in the certification process must be conducted in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard (Standar Nasional Indonesia – SNI).

Where the relevant Indonesian National Standard (SNI) is not yet available, the Chairperson of KAN is authorized to determine the applicable reference requirements.

Closing

PERKAN 1/2026 governs the framework for the implementation of Carbon Economic Value (NEK) through the establishment of national competency standards for independent validators and verifiers. PERKAN 1/2026 provides certainty regarding the qualifications of personnel authorized to perform validation and verification activities, while strengthening the credibility, accountability, and integrity of the greenhouse gas emissions assessment process as the principal foundation for the implementation of carbon trading in Indonesia.

For Independent Validation and Verification Bodies, Personnel Certification Bodies, as well as businesses participating in carbon trading schemes and results-based payment mechanisms, PERKAN 1/2026 ensures that validation and verification activities are conducted by personnel possessing competencies that comply with the prescribed standards.