Indonesia Lends Komodo to Japan, Strengthening Bilateral Diplomacy
Cooperation between Indonesia and Japan in the forestry sector is strengthening. One form of this cooperation is the plan to lend Komodo dragons as part of the conservation diplomacy between the two countries.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasised that the breeding loan scheme is a concrete step in preserving Indonesia’s endemic wildlife.
“This cooperation focuses on the Komodo breeding loan programme as part of efforts to sustainably conserve Indonesia’s iconic species,” said Raja Juli Antoni in an official statement on Tuesday (31/3).
The Japanese government, through Environment Minister Ishihara Hirotaka, expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s initiative.
“The Komodo has very high appeal and is an important symbol in the conservation cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
In a separate meeting, Japan’s Minister for Growth Strategy Minoru Kiuchi highlighted the significant public interest in Japan towards the Komodo.
“The Komodo has a high level of popularity in Japan, on par with pandas, and is believed to be a major attraction for Japanese society,” said Kiuchi.
He added that the Japanese government plans to hold a special welcome when the Komodo arrives in the country.
The Indonesian government targets the shipment of the Komodo after the signing of the cooperation agreement between iZoo Japan and Surabaya Zoo, scheduled for the end of April 2026.
In addition, the cooperation includes animal exchanges as a form of reciprocity between conservation institutions.
The Minister of Forestry stated that this initiative is expected to serve as a global bridge in efforts for rehabilitation, research, education, and innovation in mangrove ecosystem management.
Ristianto said the meeting took place constructively. Both parties affirmed their joint commitment to expanding the collaboration that has been established so far.
Djoksis conveyed that discussions on the progress of the Masela Block development proceeded well and continue to show advancement.