RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo: The Indonesian government strengthened forestry cooperation with Japan during a bilateral meeting in Tokyo, March 31, 2026. Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, met Japan’s minister in charge of economic growth strategy, Minoru Kiuchi. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation in forestry and conservation sectors.

Japan’s minister stated Indonesia is a strategic partner for the Japanese government. He emphasized Indonesia’s important role in the forestry sector. He also highlighted Indonesia’s strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region.

Minister Kiuchi expressed appreciation for the MoU with Shizuoka Prefecture. The agreement focuses on wildlife protection and conservation, especially komodo. Komodo is considered highly popular in Japan, comparable to pandas.

The Japanese government plans a special welcoming ceremony for the komodo. Japan also supports accelerating animal exchange from iZoo to Surabaya Zoo. The plan supports wildlife conservation cooperation between both countries.

The meeting formed part of President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Japan. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan. It reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between both countries.

Minister Raja Juli Antoni expressed appreciation for long-standing cooperation. The cooperation includes projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA. The minister emphasized strengthening future collaboration and forestry cooperation.

Indonesia emphasized accelerating the Joint Crediting Mechanism implementation in forestry. The effort supports climate change mitigation in Indonesia. It also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Indonesia committed to accelerating the komodo transfer process to Japan. The transfer will follow cooperation signing between iZoo and Surabaya Zoo. The agreement is planned for late April 2026.

The minister proposed strengthening conservation cooperation through a Sister Park scheme. The program connects Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park with Indonesia’s national parks. Both countries reaffirmed commitment to forestry, biodiversity, and climate cooperation.