Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni expressed appreciation for the established partnership between Indonesia and UNEP, including the memorandum of understanding signed in 2024.
“This cooperation serves as a solid foundation to be translated into more concrete and impactful programs,” he said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
During a meeting between the Ministry of Forestry and UNEP at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday (May 12), both parties discussed strengthening REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), forest carbon market development, and innovative financing for national parks.
The minister emphasized that the Indonesian government considers climate action a top priority, particularly in achieving the FOLU Net Sink 2030 target.
He noted that the Indonesian government has set an ambitious goal of becoming a global carbon hub by building a high-integrity carbon market.
“Indonesia has taken a major step in the operationalization of the carbon market through Forestry Ministerial Regulation Number 6 of 2026, a follow-up to Presidential Regulation Number 110 of 2025,” he asserted.
He explained that the regulation provides a clear and comprehensive framework for the forestry-sector carbon trading—ranging from project development and verification to transactions—ensuring certainty and transparency for investors and partners.
Furthermore, he highlighted the establishment of the Task Force on Innovative Financing for National Parks, which is responsible for developing practical financing solutions for conservation areas, including through blended finance and various other innovative approaches.
Regarding cooperation on REDD+, Antoni welcomed UNEP’s initiative to strengthen collaboration to support the framework’s implementation in Indonesia.
He added that Indonesia also appreciates the UN body’s support realized through the UN-REDD Program, including the implementation of the Green for Riau initiative.
“The program is expected to run successfully and serve as a model for developing a Jurisdictional REDD+ approach in other regions,” he remarked.
The minister also underscored the importance of strengthening representation of tropical forest nations within UNEP, expressing hope that more Indonesian professionals can contribute to the organization’s global environmental and forestry mandates.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Raka Adji
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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