APHI and New Forests Explore Indonesia's Forestry Sector to Strengthen Green Economy Development
JAKARTA – The Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) and global natural capital investment firm, New Forests, are exploring opportunities for strategic cooperation in sustainable forest management in Indonesia. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the development of the green economy while supporting future climate resilience efforts.
The exploration of this partnership emerged during a meeting held in Jakarta on Saturday (6/6/2026). The meeting was attended by the General Chairman of APHI, Soewarso, alongside representatives from New Forests, including the former United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Robert O. Blake Jr.
The dialogue focused on identifying various collaboration opportunities to support sustainable forest management, increase forest area productivity, ecosystem restoration, and the development of an environmentally friendly economy based on natural resources.
Soewarso, General Chairman of APHI, emphasised that the forestry sector plays a strategic role in supporting national economic growth while maintaining environmental sustainability. Consequently, APHI continues to encourage the strengthening of partnerships with various stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.
He noted that APHI is open to various forms of investment capable of strengthening sustainable forest management, increasing area productivity, driving ecosystem restoration, and providing economic and social benefits to communities living near forests. “The development of innovative financing is one of the keys to driving sustainable forestry investment while supporting the achievement of national greenhouse gas emission reduction targets,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Robert O. Blake Jr. expressed appreciation for the development of Indonesia’s forestry sector, which continues to demonstrate a commitment to sustainable natural resource management. He observed that Indonesia possesses great potential in developing nature-based solutions and forest management that attract global investors.
According to Blake, there are numerous opportunities to strengthen partnerships between businesses, investors, the government, and the community to create development that provides economic benefits while preserving the environment. “Constructive dialogue among stakeholders is a vital factor in building trust and opening wider investment opportunities,” he said.
On the other hand, Sanjiv Louis, Director of Investments (Asia) at New Forests, assessed that Indonesia has significant opportunities to strengthen sustainable forest and landscape management through collaboration between the government, private sector, financial institutions, and the community. He emphasised the importance of natural resource management that balances economic, social, and environmental aspects as the foundation for green economic growth and future climate resilience.
He noted that the development of various sustainable forest and land-use management initiatives will provide long-term positive impacts on the environment while increasing community welfare.
During the meeting, APHI and New Forests also agreed to continue strengthening communication and information exchange to identify various collaboration opportunities. The focus of the cooperation includes investment in sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, increasing the economic value of the forestry sector, and contributing to the sustainable development agenda and global climate action.