Task Force Promotes Innovative Financing for National Park Management

The government is preparing innovative financing schemes to strengthen the management of 13 priority national parks without altering their conservation function. Chairman of the Task Force for National Park Financing Innovation and Iconic Species Conservation, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, emphasised that the effort is not about commercialising the areas, but rather a long-term investment for nature preservation and community welfare.

This commitment was conveyed during a meeting between the Task Force and national media editors-in-chief at the Ministry of Forestry office in Jakarta on Wednesday (5/8). The meeting served as a dialogue space to communicate the Task Force’s progress and to gather media input regarding public communication on national park management and the protection of Indonesia’s iconic species.

The meeting was attended by Task Force Chairman Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni as Vice Chairman for Regulation, and Mari Elka Pangestu as Vice Chairman for Investment. The dialogue discussed conservation financing innovation, area governance, carbon trading, Public Service Agency (BLU) status, community involvement, and various sustainable financing instruments.

Hashim stated that conservation must be positioned as a long-term investment for Indonesia’s future. He said conservation financing is not only aimed at generating economic benefits but also at ensuring that ecosystems are maintained as the foundation of life, environmental resilience, and the welfare of future generations.

‘Protecting nature, improving community welfare, and building Indonesia’s future are one unified goal. Financing innovation is needed so that conservation efforts can proceed sustainably and provide tangible and equitable benefits for communities living around the areas,’ Hashim said.

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni noted that Indonesia has 57 national parks covering approximately 27 million hectares, which are strategic national assets. He said a breakthrough is needed to make the management of conservation areas more effective through strengthened governance, multi-party collaboration, and sustainable financing sources.

‘A breakthrough is needed. We welcome the President’s policy through the Task Force for National Park Management Financing Innovation. This task force is directed to revitalise 13 national parks and two iconic species conservation landscapes by involving universities, NGOs, and various organisations engaged in conservation,’ Raja Juli said.

Task Force Vice Chairman for Investment Mari Elka Pangestu explained that conservation is an investment to safeguard the future. Currently, available funding only meets about 26 per cent of the ideal management needs for national parks.