Enviro News Asia, Tokyo — Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Suzuki Norikazu, to advance strategic cooperation in forestry, carbon investment, and sustainable mangrove management.
The meeting formed part of the state visit of Prabowo Subianto to Japan, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the discussion, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) reaffirmed Indonesia’s position as a key strategic partner, particularly in the forestry sector. MAFF expressed its continued commitment to supporting Indonesia’s tropical forest management initiatives, especially through projects coordinated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
As a concrete step, MAFF will deploy two experts in April 2026 to support a JICA-led project on sustainable mangrove management in Indonesia.
MAFF also sought Indonesia’s support in advancing the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in the forestry sector, as part of joint efforts to mitigate climate change.
Minister Raja Juli Antoni welcomed the long-standing and productive cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, highlighting JICA’s role in strengthening sustainable forest management and addressing global climate challenges.
He further invited MAFF to enhance collaboration through JICA projects, particularly in support of the World Mangrove Center initiative. The initiative is expected to serve as a global platform for mangrove rehabilitation, research, education, and innovation, as well as a reference for nature-based climate solutions.
In addition, the Minister encouraged greater participation from Japanese private sector actors to invest in Indonesia’s carbon economy, particularly in afforestation and reforestation activities, including within national park areas.
This effort aligns with opportunities under Indonesia’s Voluntary Carbon Market following the issuance of Presidential Regulation No. 110 of 2025 on Carbon Economic Value and National Greenhouse Gas Emission Control.
The bilateral meeting reaffirmed both countries’ strong commitment to expanding strategic cooperation in forestry and contributing to global climate action through nature-based solutions. (*)
