Indonesia is poised to significantly accelerate the designation of 1.4 million hectares of indigenous forests, a pivotal initiative announced by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni. This ambitious policy forms a core component of the nation’s comprehensive strategy to combat rampant environmental crime and bolster robust, community-based forest governance across the archipelago.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 5, Minister Raja Juli Antoni powerfully articulated the indispensable role of indigenous and local communities. “One of the crucial aspects often overlooked in combating environmental crime is the involvement of indigenous and local communities. They are the true guardians of our forests,” he stated, as quoted by Antara. This highlights the profound human element at the heart of effective forest protection efforts.
The Minister delivered these impactful remarks during his attendance at the prestigious United for Wildlife Global Summit and Ministerial High-Level Meeting, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday, November 4.
To rigorously drive this initiative forward, Raja Juli revealed that Indonesia is set to establish a Special Task Force for the Acceleration of Indigenous Forest Recognition by March 2025. Acting on the direct instructions of President Prabowo Subianto, the Ministry of Forestry has set a clear and challenging target: to officially recognize an additional 1.4 million hectares of new indigenous forests between 2025 and 2029.
The strategic importance of this recognition is further reinforced by data from the State of Indonesia’s Forest (SOIFO) 2024. This report unequivocally shows that acknowledging indigenous forests is not merely a gesture of respect for indigenous rights, but a proven, highly effective method to significantly curb deforestation rates by an impressive 30–50%.
By actively supporting community-based forest governance, Indonesia aims to bolster legal clarity, enhance tenurial security, and ensure the long-term sustainability of vital forest management practices, Raja Juli affirmed.
“Therefore, accelerating the recognition of these indigenous forests is paramount. It is equally as vital as our unwavering commitment to recognizing indigenous peoples and local communities themselves,” Raja Juli underscored, eloquently linking land rights directly to fundamental human rights.
Beyond national efforts, the Minister also issued a compelling call for robust cross-border cooperation and comprehensive global data exchange. This collaborative approach, he stressed, is absolutely essential to effectively combat transnational environmental crimes, including the illicit wildlife trade and persistent deforestation that threaten global biodiversity.
Raja Juli further highlighted Indonesia’s unwavering readiness to serve as an active and dedicated partner within a global coalition. The collective goal: to decisively halt environmental crimes and diligently preserve the planet’s invaluable natural heritage for the prosperity of future generations.
“Let us move beyond mere rhetoric and wholeheartedly embrace genuine solidarity. Indonesia stands ready to collaborate, for together, we can ensure that our precious natural heritage endures for generations to come,” Raja Juli declared, extending an earnest invitation for unified global action.
This bold commitment from Indonesia has garnered significant international acclaim. Tom Clements, Executive Director of United for Wildlife, warmly welcomed Indonesia’s pledge to recognize 1.4 million hectares of indigenous forests, hailing it as a powerful testament to the nation’s sustainable leadership in curtailing deforestation.
Clements lauded Indonesia’s initiative as “an inspiring example of leadership in protecting both people and the planet.” He added, “By empowering local communities, Indonesia demonstrates that strong forest governance is paramount to tackling environmental crime and safeguarding our shared natural heritage for the collective good.”
Summary
Indonesia, melalui Menteri Kehutanan Raja Juli Antoni, berencana untuk mempercepat penetapan 1,4 juta hektar hutan adat antara tahun 2025 dan 2029. Inisiatif ini, yang didorong oleh instruksi Presiden Prabowo, bertujuan untuk memerangi kejahatan lingkungan dan memperkuat tata kelola hutan berbasis masyarakat. Pengakuan hutan adat ini, yang akan didukung oleh satuan tugas khusus, sangat penting karena masyarakat adat adalah penjaga vital dan terbukti secara signifikan mengurangi laju deforestasi.
Langkah ini juga bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kejelasan hukum dan keamanan tenurial, menghubungkan hak atas tanah secara langsung dengan hak asasi manusia. Menteri Antoni menekankan perlunya kerja sama lintas batas yang kuat untuk memerangi kejahatan lingkungan transnasional, menegaskan kesiapan Indonesia untuk berkolaborasi secara global. Komitmen ini telah dipuji secara internasional, dengan United for Wildlife menyoroti kepemimpinan Indonesia dalam melindungi manusia dan planet.
