Enviro News Asia, Seoul — The Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia is strengthening strategic cooperation with the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization to advance carbon projects, land rehabilitation, and community empowerment in the forestry sector.
The commitment was highlighted during a meeting between Raja Juli Antoni and AFoCO Executive Director Park Chongho in Seoul, as part of Indonesia’s green diplomacy efforts under the state visit of Prabowo Subianto.
AFoCO expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s active role as a member since 2019, noting that its participation has significantly elevated the country’s forestry profile at the regional level and promoted sustainable forest management practices.
During the meeting, AFoCO highlighted substantial opportunities for collaboration, particularly in developing carbon projects across social forestry areas, national parks, and concession zones. These initiatives include support for project preparation and carbon certification documentation, as well as the development of blended finance schemes to fund reforestation of degraded lands.
AFoCO also noted its accreditation with the Green Climate Fund, which opens broader access for Indonesia to international climate financing. In addition, the organization has secured funding support from Rabobank for agroforestry carbon projects in the Asia-Pacific region, with potential replication in Indonesia.
In response, Minister Raja Juli Antoni reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with AFoCO, emphasizing the country’s strategic role as home to one of the largest tropical forest areas in Asia. He underscored the importance of developing carbon projects that deliver both ecological and economic benefits for local communities.
As a concrete step, the Ministry proposed the appointment of a permanent representative at AFoCO headquarters to enhance coordination and institutional engagement. Indonesia also invited AFoCO to support the management of 1.4 million hectares of customary forests targeted for development over the next five years, as well as to strengthen social forestry programs through improved access to financing and technical assistance.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Indonesia and AFoCO to advancing sustainable forest management, addressing climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems, and improving community livelihoods. (*)
