Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Forestry is strengthening its commitment to biodiversity conservation through an evaluation and transformation of nature conservation efforts across Indonesia. The initiative was highlighted by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni during the peak commemoration of National Nature Conservation Day (HKAN) 2026 at Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta, on Thursday, 20 August.
Carrying the theme “Nature Conservation: Working Together to Care for Indonesia,” HKAN 2026 was positioned as a moment for reflection and evaluation rather than merely a ceremonial celebration. The Ministry emphasized the need to assess conservation performance and develop more innovative approaches to protecting Indonesia’s biodiversity.
Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the commemoration should encourage all stakeholders to evaluate their conservation efforts and identify ways to improve performance.
He stressed that conservation success should be measured through tangible indicators, including increases in wildlife populations, improved ecosystem conditions, effective management of conservation areas, and greater benefits for local communities.
The Minister also highlighted the growing complexity of conservation challenges, particularly climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing financing requirements for ecosystem protection.
In response, the Ministry is encouraging innovative conservation financing mechanisms. These include stronger collaboration among stakeholders, the utilization of carbon economic value, and the development of green investment schemes to support long-term conservation efforts.
The Ministry also reported positive developments in the protection of several key wildlife species, including the Javan rhinoceros, Sumatran tiger, orangutan, and Asian elephant. Conservation programs have recorded new births in several habitat areas, while efforts to address human-wildlife conflicts are increasingly being developed through collaborative and innovative approaches.
Presidential Special Envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo also attended the event and expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Forestry’s continued efforts to protect forests, wildlife, and Indonesia’s biodiversity. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that species and other natural resources are protected from extinction.
Meanwhile, Director General of Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems Satyawan Pudyatmoko said HKAN 2026 had been supported by activities carried out by 74 technical implementation units across Indonesia. These activities included ecosystem restoration, wildlife releases, community empowerment, and conservation education.
He emphasized that conservation should not end with ceremonial events but must remain a continuous process involving long-term commitment and collaboration.
The HKAN 2026 commemoration also featured awards for conservation management units and business partners that have contributed to nature conservation efforts. Minister Raja Juli Antoni and Vice Minister of Forestry also visited conservation exhibition booths representing national parks across Indonesia, participated in a bird release, and carried out tree planting activities.
The Ministry of Forestry said strengthening collaboration among central and local governments, indigenous communities, businesses, academics, non-governmental organizations, and the wider public is essential to protecting Indonesia’s natural wealth. These efforts are also expected to support Indonesia’s emissions reduction targets through the Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 program.
The HKAN 2026 commemoration was held alongside the Ministry of Forestry’s 81st Independence Day reception, which served as an opportunity to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among forestry sector employees through sports activities, traditional arts, educational programs, social initiatives, and recognition of forestry sector champions. (*)
