Indonesia seeks innovative funding for national park management

Speaking after the 43rd Forest Rangers Service Day ceremony here on Monday, Marzuki said the 57 national parks in Indonesia are currently managed through the state budget (APBN), considering their crucial role as conservation areas for protected flora and fauna that are vital for ecological balance.

Going forward, he said the government wants to mobilize alternative funding through innovative financing mechanisms for national park management so that support will not rely solely on the state budget.

“We need to mobilize alternative funding, not only from the state budget. For example, international funding, especially through carbon trading schemes for ARR: Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation,” he pointed out.

Previously, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni on Thursday (March 12) announced the establishment of the Task Force on Innovative Financing and Management of National Parks.

The task force is chaired by Hashim Djoyohadikusumo and supported by Antoni and several other figures, including Mari Elka Pangestu, the President’s Special Advisor for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation.

According to Antoni, the government believes a new approach to financing and management is necessary so that national parks can serve not only as conservation centers but also support sustainable ecotourism development.

As an initial step, the government will prepare several pilot projects for national park management, including one in the Way Kambas National Park area in Lampung.

The program will also address standing conflicts between humans and elephants around the park through boundary fences or canals, as well as community empowerment initiatives in surrounding villages.

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Translator: Prisca, Kenzu