Indonesia seeks carbon trading, ecotourism benefits for communities

Jumhur said Wonosobo has significant potential to generate economic value through carbon trading, supported by dense vegetation, forest areas and active community participation in reforestation efforts.

“There is very large value in carbon trading. Carbon trading is like trading oxygen. Oxygen produced by planting trees can be compensated with monetary value,” Jumhur said.

During his Aug. 8-9 visit to Wonosobo, Jumhur said the Environment Ministry would ensure carbon trading operates transparently so communities can directly benefit economically.

The initiative supports Wonosobo Regent Afif Nurhidayat’s efforts to mobilize residents to plant hundreds of thousands of coffee trees on the slopes of Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing.

Jumhur also promoted ecotourism after attending Wonosobo’s Hot Air Balloon Festival on Sunday, saying nature-based tourism could strengthen local economies while protecting ecosystems.

The ministry hopes tourism built around natural beauty and conservation can become a regional advantage and improve the welfare of surrounding communities.

“I am thinking about ecotourism and have discussed it with the Wonosobo regent and community leaders — tourism linked to environmental conservation,” Jumhur said.

Through stronger central and regional government cooperation, the ministry is optimistic Indonesian regions can become more economically independent while preserving ecological sustainability for future generations.

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Translator: Prisca TV, Rahmad Nasution