Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation between the two ministries, particularly through digital data exchange and improved coordination in managing state revenues from the forestry sector.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Forestry office in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 28. Minister Raja Antoni said the collaboration aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive under Article 33 of the Constitution, emphasising that Indonesia’s natural resources must serve the people’s welfare.
“This MoU reflects the President’s instruction that forests, as part of the nation’s wealth, must be optimised for the benefit of the people. It will bring our two institutions closer and ensure that the country’s natural wealth is managed responsibly,” said Raja Antoni after the signing.
One key aspect of the agreement concerns non-tax state revenue (PNBP) generated from forestry activities. Raja Antoni expressed hope that these funds would be reinvested in conservation and ecosystem protection.
“We hope the PNBP can return to nature — to the forests, to field operations, and to law enforcement efforts,” he added.
Minister Purbaya highlighted that the MoU will strengthen digital data sharing and coordination between both ministries, helping to improve transparency and efficiency in state revenue collection.
“This is essentially about digital data exchange and closer coordination. There’s significant potential to optimise state income from forestry, and this cooperation will help overcome previous barriers,” he said.
Purbaya also noted that the forestry sector holds major untapped revenue potential, estimating that, if managed properly, it could reach hundreds of trillions of rupiah.
“The income potential is huge — possibly in the hundreds of trillions if managed well. We’re still refining the calculations,” he stated.
The partnership marks a renewed effort by the government to ensure Indonesia’s forests contribute sustainably to national economic growth while preserving environmental integrity. (nsh)
Banner photo: Ministry of Forestry
