This paper investigates the carbon sequestration potential of several alternative agroforestry and plantation systems in Indonesia. It is shown how different agroforestry systems vary in their attractiveness in terms of carbon sequestration, returns to land and labour and employment potential. A twenty-year life cycle of coffee multi-cropping systems is compared to short-rotation timber plantations and to a forty-year life cycle of fruit trees such as mango, duku and durian.