Jakarta—The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF) issued a press release on June 26, stating that Indonesia has reported its lowest deforestation rate in history. They said, according to a joint analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI) Global, the University of Maryland, and the MoEF, facilitated by Norway, showed that between 2022 and 2023, the deforestation rate in Indonesia was only 0.13 million hectares per year.
Speaking at the Oslo Tropical Forest Forum 2024 in Norway, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya highlighted the successful reduction in deforestation under President Joko Widodo’s administration. “This achievement surpasses that of other countries and represents the most significant reduction in our history,” she said.
Minister Siti emphasised Indonesia’s commitment to reducing emissions, aligning with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). She detailed the 2030 FOLU Net Sink Operational Plan, a legally binding initiative that orchestrates systematic and integrated climate action across 15 groups. “This plan is more than just a declaration—it is a definitive and actionable commitment to environmental management,” she affirmed.
Progress in emission reductions is notable, with Indonesia exceeding its NDC target by significant margins. Norway’s results-based financial support, totalling USD 156 million, has bolstered Indonesia’s efforts, which are primarily funded by the national budget.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted the successful management of forest fires during the recent El Niño and ongoing community-based efforts to rehabilitate peatlands and mangroves. “These efforts are crucial for maintaining our climate targets and have shown promising progress,” she noted.
Minister Siti also addressed expanding land rights to local and indigenous communities, which has increased eighteenfold under the current administration, enhancing social forestry initiatives.
The forum concluded with Minister Siti thanking the Norwegian government and international partners for their support, which has been instrumental in Indonesia’s journey towards sustainable forestry and environmental conservation. (nsh)
