Enviro News Asia, New York — Indonesia’s pulp and paper industry has expressed its readiness to support the development of a credible, transparent, and high-integrity forestry carbon market as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s green economy transition.
The commitment was conveyed during the Business Forum on Carbon Market held in New York, United States, on Monday (11/5), as part of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) 2026 series of events. The forum brought together government representatives, forestry business actors, international investors, emissions trading associations, and strategic partners to discuss opportunities for carbon projects and nature-based finance in Indonesia.
Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni stated that Indonesia is entering a new era of forest management in which forest value is no longer solely dependent on timber production, but also on carbon, biodiversity, environmental services, and community empowerment.
The government has also issued Minister of Forestry Regulation No. 6 of 2026, which provides a clearer legal framework for the development of forestry carbon trading and strengthens the implementation of the Multi-Business Forestry scheme.
Chairman of the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association (APKI), Suhendra Wiriadinata, said the regulation represents an important foundation for businesses to expand their contribution to national emissions reduction targets while enhancing the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s pulp and paper industry.
“The Indonesian pulp and paper industry welcomes the issuance of Minister of Forestry Regulation No. 6 of 2026, which provides regulatory certainty and a clearer governance framework for the development of forestry carbon trading. For our industry, carbon is an added value that complements, not replaces, the sector’s primary role in producing renewable fibre-based products needed by the global community,” Suhendra said.
He explained that through sustainable industrial plantation forest management, energy efficiency, renewable energy utilization, circular economy practices, and innovation in recyclable and renewable products, the pulp and paper industry continues to strengthen its contribution toward a low-carbon economy transition.
“Renewable fibre-based pulp and paper products are an important part of climate solutions because they can replace fossil-based materials, support emissions reduction, and meet growing global demand for environmentally friendly products,” he added.
Suhendra also noted that a credible carbon market could encourage greater investment in peatland restoration, forest rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment surrounding operational areas.
According to him, the success of the carbon market depends heavily on project integrity, transparent measurement systems, clear methodologies, and acceptance in both domestic and international markets.
“APKI and all its members are committed to supporting the development of high-quality carbon credits that meet international standards, deliver real environmental benefits, and create economic and social added value. With the right policy support and cross-sector collaboration, Indonesia has a major opportunity to become one of the leading players in global forestry-based carbon trading,” he said.
The business forum was attended by representatives of the Indonesian government, forestry business actors, international investors, emissions trading associations, and several strategic partners from the United States.
Through the forum, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the forestry sector’s role in global climate mitigation efforts while opening wider opportunities for green investment collaboration to support the FOLU Net Sink 2030 target and sustainable economic development. (*)
