Environment Minister urges optimisation of carbon trading for communities

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Environment Minister and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) Moh Jumhur Hidayat has called for the optimisation of carbon trading and the development of eco-tourism for communities, including in the Wonosobo area of Central Java. He conveyed the significant potential for generating added economic value through carbon trading, thanks to the lush vegetation, forest areas, and active community participation in reforestation. “There is carbon trading with enormous value. Carbon trading is the same as trading oxygen. That is, the oxygen produced from tree-planting activities can be compensated with monetary value,” explained Minister Jumhur. This initiative aligns with the efforts of Wonosobo Regent Afif Nurhidayat, who has mobilised residents to plant hundreds of thousands of coffee trees on the slopes of Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing to maintain ecosystem balance and increase land productivity. The minister also encouraged the development of eco-tourism after attending the Wonosobo Balloon Festival on Sunday (9/8). Through strong synergy between the central and regional governments, the Ministry of Environment/BPLH is optimistic that regions in Indonesia can continue to develop into advanced and independent tourism areas while preserving ecological sustainability for future generations.