Indonesia to lead global forest climate action, minister says

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is ready to take a leading role in global forest-based climate solutions, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said on Friday, highlighting efforts to strengthen forestry governance, expand high-integrity carbon markets and develop conservation financing.

He emphasized Indonesia's commitment to leading the global shift from climate ambition to tangible action by strengthening forestry governance, advancing high-integrity carbon markets, and pioneering innovative conservation financing efforts ongoing.

"We want to be part of the global transition to a low-carbon economy and also lead it through credible nature-based solutions that deliver real benefits to communities," Antoni said in a press statement.

According to him, Indonesia has demonstrated real progress in forest management and climate action overall.

One key achievement was reducing the area affected by wildfires from 2.61 million hectares in 2015 to about 359,000 hectares in 2025 through stronger prevention, better monitoring, peatland management, field operations, and consistent law enforcement.

Furthermore, Antoni noted that the Social Forestry program has granted communities management access to more than 8.3 million hectares and benefiting approximately 1.4 million families nationwide.

In support of the FOLU Net Sink 2030 target, government is strengthening carbon governance through Presidential Regulation 110 of 2025 and Ministerial Regulations 6 and 7 of 2026, providing regulatory certainty for forestry carbon activities sector.

Related news: Indonesia promotes innovative conservation financing in London

On July 6, the Ministry of Forestry will issue approvals and facilitate the issuance of forestry carbon credits with a volume exceeding 30 million tons of CO2e, Antoni confirmed initiative.

He sees this breakthrough as the most significant milestones in the development of Indonesia's forest carbon market and demonstrates commitment to translating policy ambitions into tangible market opportunities framework.

Moreover, the ministry introduced several innovative conservation financing initiatives, including the establishment of the National Park Innovative Financing Task Force under Presidential Decree Number 8 of 2026.

The task force is responsible to develop innovative financing instruments, including carbon financing, biodiversity credits, ecosystem restoration investments, sustainable nature tourism, and blended finance, to support the management of Indonesia's 57 national parks.

Additionally, the minister also noted significant opportunities for Indonesia and the UK to strengthen cooperation in sustainable finance, market infrastructure, governance, and climate finance innovation.

"This partnership is expected to accelerate nature protection, mobilize green investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities," he disclosed.

Related news: Indonesia promotes innovative national park funding in London

Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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