Indonesia and Japan Agree on Cooperation Regarding Komodo Conservation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni is collaborating with Shizuoka Governor Suzuki Yasutomo on cooperation related to Komodo conservation. Raja Antoni and Suzuki Yasutomo signed this cooperation agreement or memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Shizuoka, Japan. “This is part of green diplomacy; we hope to share responsibilities and cooperation to tackle climate problems, better protect our forests, conserve, and also improve the wealth of biodiversity,” said Raja Juli in his statement on Saturday (28/3/2026). This cooperation between Indonesia and Japan is seen as green diplomacy that strengthens bilateral relations and ensures the preservation of Indonesia’s iconic species, the Komodo dragon. Raja Juli hopes that with the presence of Komodo there, it can further promote biodiversity and attract Japanese people’s interest to see the Komodo directly on Komodo Island, Indonesia. He stated that Indonesia is one of the world’s largest tropical countries with vast forests and extraordinary, irreplaceable biodiversity wealth. “The Komodo is one of the flagship animals in Indonesia, among many other wildlife in Indonesia such as elephants, tigers, and so on,” he added. Through this cooperation, Raja Juli hopes Indonesia can learn from the Japanese government on how to maintain a balance in industrial development while still protecting the environment well. He also hopes that in the future, Mount Fuji and the mountains in Indonesia can become sister parks. “I have been to Mount Fuji a few years ago, but tomorrow I plan to return to Mount Fuji to learn in more detail about how the Shizuoka government and the mayor manage the extraordinary Mount Fuji National Park,” he continued.