Enviro News Asia, Shenzhen — Indonesia and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation in sustainable forestry during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 2026 APEC Forestry Ministerial Meeting (FTMM) in Shenzhen, China.
The Indonesian delegation was led by Director General of Sustainable Forest Management Laksmi Wijayanti, while the Japanese delegation was headed by Eiji Tanimura, Deputy Director-General of the Forestry Agency of Japan. The meeting focused on strengthening long-standing bilateral cooperation and identifying new initiatives to support sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and legal timber trade.
Indonesia expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in implementing sustainable forest management programs, community-based forest and land fire prevention, and mangrove management to enhance climate resilience.
A key agenda item was the development of the proposed World Mangrove Center (WMC). Indonesia invited Japan to deepen collaboration in establishing the center as a global hub for mangrove research, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and innovation to support climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The two countries also discussed expanding cooperation in national park management through the Sister Park initiative, organizing a Joint National Park Workshop, strengthening biodiversity conservation, and advancing wildlife conservation cooperation, including preparations for the planned loan of Komodo dragons to Japan in accordance with Indonesia’s national regulations and international animal welfare standards.
In addition, both sides explored ways to strengthen efforts against illegal logging and promote trade in legally and sustainably sourced forest products. Discussions also covered improving interoperability between Indonesia’s Timber Legality and Sustainability Verification System (SVLK) and Japan’s Clean Wood Act.
Laksmi Wijayanti emphasized that Indonesia seeks practical and mutually beneficial outcomes from the partnership, including the effective implementation of JICA projects, technical support for forest carbon initiatives, development of the World Mangrove Center, expansion of the Sister Park concept, and successful wildlife conservation cooperation.
Deputy Director-General Eiji Tanimura welcomed Indonesia’s proposals and expressed Japan’s commitment to broadening bilateral forestry cooperation. He said both countries should continue expanding collaboration across multiple forestry sectors and further strengthen their strategic partnership.
The bilateral meeting concluded with both governments reaffirming their commitment to advancing sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, mangrove ecosystem development, legal timber trade, and other initiatives that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and global climate action. (*)
