Indonesia advances forest carbon markets and biodiversity credit schemes

Indonesia's Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the country will take a leading role in global forest‑based climate solutions. The government is strengthening forestry governance, expanding high‑integrity carbon markets and launching innovative conservation‑financing instruments. Wildfire‑affected area was cut from 2.61 million ha in 2015 to about 359,000 ha in 2025, and the Social Forestry program now gives communities management rights over more than 8.3 million ha, benefiting roughly 1.4 million families. A new task force will facilitate the issuance of forestry carbon credits totalling over 30 million t CO₂e and develop financing tools for the 57 national parks, with support from the UK.

Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat met IAPB Co‑Chair Dame Amelia Fawcett in London, discussing Indonesia’s plan to develop biodiversity credits as a new source of conservation funding. The two parties highlighted Indonesia’s status as a megabiodiversity country and its ambition to host COP 18 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2028. A dedicated taskforce will draft policy, design credit schemes, identify pilot projects and conduct stakeholder consultations, with IAPB serving as a knowledge partner. These initiatives are presented as part of Indonesia’s broader commitment to a just energy transition that protects ecosystems and workers.

Collectively, the measures aim to mobilise green investment, create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities and position Indonesia as a pioneer in nature‑based finance both regionally and internationally.