Indonesia ready to lead forest-based climate solutions, says minister

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has stated that Indonesia is ready to become a global leader in forest-based climate solutions. In a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, the minister affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to leading the global transition from climate ambition to real implementation through strengthened forestry governance, the development of high-integrity carbon markets, and innovative conservation financing. “Indonesia does not only want to be part of the global transition to a low-carbon economy, but also to lead the transformation through credible, high-integrity nature-based climate solutions that provide real benefits for the community,” said Raja Antoni. He noted that Indonesia has demonstrated real progress in forest management and climate action. One significant achievement is the successful reduction of forest and land fire areas from 2.61 million hectares in 2015 to approximately 359,000 hectares in 2025, achieved through enhanced prevention, integrated monitoring, peatland management, field operations, and consistent law enforcement. Additionally, the Social Forestry programme has provided access to manage over 8.3 million hectares of land for the community, benefiting approximately 1.4 million families, while the recognition of customary forests is being accelerated as part of strengthening the community’s role in protecting forests. To support the Indonesia FOLU Net Sink 2030 target, the country is strengthening carbon market governance through Presidential Regulation Number 110 of 2025 and Forestry Ministerial Regulations Number 6 and 7 of 2026, which provide regulatory certainty for carbon activities in the forestry sector. “On 6 July, the Ministry of Forestry will issue approvals and facilitate the issuance of forestry carbon credits with a volume exceeding 30 million tonnes of CO2e,” said Raja Antoni. “This is one of the most significant milestones in the development of Indonesia’s forest carbon market and demonstrates our commitment to translating policy ambition into real market opportunities.” The minister also introduced innovative measures in conservation financing, including the establishment of a Task Force for Innovative National Park Financing through Presidential Decree Number 8 of 2026. The task force is developing various innovative financing instruments such as carbon financing, biodiversity credits, ecosystem restoration investments, sustainable nature tourism, and blended finance to support the management of Indonesia’s 57 national parks. He also assessed that Indonesia and the United Kingdom have significant opportunities to strengthen partnerships in sustainable finance, market infrastructure, governance, and climate financing innovation. “This partnership is expected to accelerate nature protection, mobilise green investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities for the community,” he said.