Enviro News Asia, Balikpapan — Indonesia is strengthening the credibility and integrity of its carbon market by improving the capacity of stakeholders to apply international principles for high-quality carbon credits.
The Ministry of Forestry held a workshop on the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, from September 1–2, 2026, bringing together 80 participants from central and regional governments, carbon project developers and managers, supporting institutions, and other stakeholders.
The workshop was organized by the Sustainable Forest Management Agency Region XIII and represents the first in a series of activities planned by the Ministry of Forestry in collaboration with the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM).
The program is part of a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2025, which focuses on strengthening stakeholder capacity and awareness while developing collaborative initiatives to support a high-integrity voluntary carbon market in Indonesia.
Participants were introduced to the Core Carbon Principles, covering methodologies, measurement, reporting and verification, risk management, and other requirements designed to improve the quality and environmental integrity of carbon credits.
Forest Sector Holds Strategic Carbon Potential
Indonesia considers the strengthening of carbon market integrity particularly important given the country’s substantial potential in the forestry and other land use (FOLU) sector.
The government expects carbon markets to function not only as economic instruments but also as mechanisms to encourage sustainable forest management, expand climate finance, and generate tangible benefits for local communities.
Senior Adviser to the Minister of Forestry Edo Mahendra said Indonesia’s extensive forest resources and mitigation potential could only generate lasting economic and environmental value if supported by strong governance, capacity and market integrity.
“Indonesia has significant capital in the form of forests and mitigation potential. However, this potential will only have value when supported by integrity, governance and strong capacity,” Mahendra said.
He added that the government is working to establish a carbon trading ecosystem that meets high standards of quality and integrity.
The Ministry of Forestry said the workshop is expected to strengthen stakeholder readiness to develop a carbon market ecosystem based on quality, transparency, accountability and environmental integrity.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening human resources, governance and cross-sector collaboration to ensure Indonesia’s carbon potential is managed sustainably and contributes to the achievement of national climate targets. (*)
