Enviro News Asia, New York — Indonesian Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni reaffirmed the Indonesian Government’s strong commitment to sustainable forest management during the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, May 11, 2026.
During the session, Indonesia was given the first opportunity by the UNFF21 Chair to deliver its national statement before delegates from various countries. In his remarks, Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that Sustainable Forest Management has become an integral pillar of Indonesia’s national agenda under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto.
He explained that Indonesia’s forestry policy encompasses climate mitigation efforts, biodiversity conservation, economic resilience, and sustainable development. According to him, forests should not merely be viewed as natural resources, but as essential foundations for future sustainability and national prosperity.
“Under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia continues to strengthen forest governance as an inseparable part of global climate action. Forests are not merely resources, but the foundation for the sustainability of future generations and the nation’s economic resilience,” Raja Juli Antoni stated in Indonesia’s national address.
Indonesia’s participation in UNFF21 also served as an important opportunity to showcase the country’s achievements in maintaining national forest cover while promoting inclusive and accountable forest governance to the international community.
The minister further stressed that Indonesia seeks to balance ecosystem protection with efforts to improve the welfare of communities living around forest areas.
Director General of Sustainable Forest Management Laksmi Wijayanti stated that UNFF21 is a high-level United Nations forum aimed at strengthening political cooperation in global forest governance.
“The presence of the Minister of Forestry in New York reaffirms Indonesia’s strategic position as one of the world’s largest tropical forest countries that consistently remains at the forefront of nature-based climate solutions,” she said.
The Indonesian delegation attending the UNFF21 session also included senior officials from the Ministry of Forestry, including the Director General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation. (*)
