Forestry Minister: Task Force on National Park Financing Drives Sustainable Ecotourism Development

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated that the Task Force on Innovation in Financing and Management of National Parks (established through Presidential Decree) is expected to support the development of sustainable ecotourism.

“Commercialisation is certainly necessary, but what must be noted is that commercialisation should not become mass tourism,” said Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

Furthermore, the minister described how the task force will seek sustainable financing schemes to enable more optimal national park management and deliver benefits for nature conservation and community welfare.

The government, he said, believes a new approach to financing and management is required so that national parks function not only as conservation centres but also support sustainable ecotourism development.

“But the primary objective must be to protect the environment and preserve forests, whilst maintaining a commercial aspect,” said Raja Antoni.

He stated that the task force will be chaired by Hashim Djoyohadikusumo, with the Forestry Minister and Mari Elka Pengestu serving as deputy chairs.

“We will seek innovative, sustainable financing, including involvement of the private sector so that, once again, our national parks become world-class national parks,” said Raja Antoni.

Indonesia currently has 57 national parks that serve as important areas for the conservation of biological diversity, he noted.

As an initial step, the government will prepare several pilot projects for national park management, including one at Way Kambas National Park.

This programme will also address the human-elephant conflict that has persisted in the region surrounding the national park through the development of fencing or boundary canals, as well as community empowerment programmes.

“Through this policy, the government hopes that wildlife conservation and national park management in Indonesia will strengthen further, whilst delivering economic benefits for surrounding communities through a sustainable conservation area management approach,” said the Forestry Minister.