Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Kementerian Kehutanan Republik Indonesia, in collaboration with the Government of Norway and the Badan Pengelola Dana Lingkungan Hidup (BPDLH), commemorated the 118th National Awakening Day through an environmental event titled “Gema Langkah Alam” in Jakarta on 20 May 2026.
Held at the Dr. Soedjarwo Auditorium, Manggala Wanabakti Building, the event served not only as a reflection on Indonesia’s historical journey but also as a platform to encourage greater youth participation in forest conservation and climate action.
Representing Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, Head of the Forestry Human Resources Extension and Development Agency, drh. Indra Exploitasia, stated that National Awakening Day should be interpreted as a momentum for younger generations to rise in addressing environmental and climate challenges.
“Today, the challenge for young people is no longer fighting for independence, but safeguarding the future of the Earth and the environment. Climate change control, forest fire prevention, and biodiversity protection require the active involvement of youth as agents of change,” Indra said while delivering the Minister’s remarks.
He emphasized that under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto, the forestry sector has become one of the central pillars of Indonesia’s national climate action agenda through the implementation of the FOLU Net Sink 2030 program.
The initiative focuses on sustainable forest management, ecosystem rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment, including the active involvement of young people in environmental protection efforts.
Over the past three years, the FOLU Net Sink 2030 program has been implemented across 36 provinces through large-scale forest and mangrove rehabilitation, peatland restoration, forest protection initiatives, and community-based green economic programs.
During the event, Indra also expressed appreciation to the Government of Norway for its continued support of Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 implementation. According to him, the partnership reflects international confidence in Indonesia’s commitment to preserving tropical forests and reducing carbon emissions.
“Throughout the implementation of the FOLU Norway Contribution program in various regions, many concrete actions have emerged, ranging from forest protection and peatland rehabilitation to community capacity building and green job creation,” Indra explained.
Norwegian Ambassador to Indonesia Rut Krüger Giverin praised Indonesia’s significant achievements in reducing carbon emissions and lowering deforestation rates.
As part of Norway’s results-based contribution mechanism, the Norwegian Government has provided financial support worth USD 216 million for Indonesia’s successful reduction of 43.2 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions during the 2016–2020 period.
“Norway is very proud to partner closely with Indonesia. Indonesia’s achievement in reducing deforestation has been internationally recognized and serves as a real example for the world,” Ambassador Rut Krüger Giverin stated.
The event also featured the launch of a short film titled “Merawat Esok”, produced by the Ministry of Forestry and BPDLH. The film highlights the stories of field workers and community beneficiaries involved in forest, peatland, and mangrove conservation programs across Indonesia.
The film underscored the importance of collective action and grassroots participation in ensuring the long-term success of environmental protection and climate resilience efforts. (*)
