FAO Calls Indonesia the Most Strategic Forestry Partner
Indonesia and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are strengthening forestry cooperation in a bilateral meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York. FAO regards Indonesia as the most strategic partner in the global forestry sector.
The meeting took place between Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Forestry Division Zhimin Wu at the Indonesian Lounge on Tuesday (12/5/2026). According to a press release from the Ministry of Forestry, the forum discussed strengthening sustainable forest governance, carbon, and the forestry sector’s contribution to the global green economy.
Zhimin Wu stated that Indonesia has become the most strategic cooperation partner for FAO. He also appreciated Indonesia’s achievements, which are seen as a reference in global forestry management.
FAO also appreciated the hosting of the Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) 2025 in Bali in October 2025. The event is viewed as strengthening global forestry community collaboration in data-based forest monitoring.
In addition, FAO appreciated Indonesia’s progress in developing carbon economic value policies, including carbon credit roadmaps and forestry carbon markets. This strengthening is considered important in global carbon governance.
In the meeting, FAO invited the Minister of Forestry to attend the 28th Committee on Forestry (COFO28) in Rome, Italy, from 28 September to 2 October 2026.
Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni expressed appreciation for the cooperation established with FAO. He explained the importance of strengthening the national forest monitoring system, REDD+, and forestry carbon governance.
Indonesia is also promoting social forestry development as well as forest-based food and energy commodities as part of national resilience. On the other hand, the government is preparing the publication of The State of Indonesia’s Forests (SOIFO) 2026, which will be launched at COFO28.
This meeting reinforces Indonesia’s position in global forestry diplomacy amid increasing issues of climate change and carbon governance.