Government Reserves 1.4 Million Hectares of Carbon Land for Indigenous Peoples
The Indonesian government has officially reserved approximately 1.4 million hectares of land for indigenous peoples to engage in the carbon trading ecosystem. This step is taken to ensure local communities receive direct economic benefits from environmental conservation efforts.
Special Envoy of the President for Energy and Climate, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, explained that this policy aligns with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto. Furthermore, the involvement of indigenous communities is an absolute requirement frequently raised by international investors.
“International investors specifically require a positive social impact on communities surrounding carbon project sites. Therefore, the government has reserved around 1.4 million hectares for indigenous peoples,” Hashim stated in Jakarta on Monday (6/7).
In addition to land specifically for indigenous communities, Indonesia already has a social forestry programme covering 8.3 million hectares. Hashim mentioned that expanding the carbon trading scheme into the social forestry sector will provide dual income for residents.
Communities will not only earn income from agroforestry and non-timber forest products but will also receive additional incentives from the sale of carbon credits. This is expected to improve welfare while maintaining the preservation of national forests.
In an effort to protect forest ecosystems from the threat of destruction, the government plans to significantly increase the number of forest rangers. From the current figure of only around 5,000 personnel, the government is targeting an increase to reach 70,000 personnel.
“In the first year, the recruitment of approximately 23,000 personnel is planned as part of a three-year target,” Hashim revealed. This measure has even received appreciation from The Royal Foundation, led by the Prince of Wales, as it is considered a serious commitment to tackling criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking and illegal logging.
As part of improving carbon governance, the government will launch the Carbon Unit Registration System (SRUK) on Thursday, 9 July 2026. This system is designed to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that have previously frustrated international investors seeking to enter the Indonesian carbon market.
The legal basis for this policy is strengthened by Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 110 of 2025 concerning the Implementation of Carbon Economic Value Instruments and National Greenhouse Gas Emission Control.
“The international community is beginning to believe that Indonesia is capable of realising programmes, not merely making promises,” Hashim concluded.