RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta –Indonesia is advancing its carbon market framework with new regulations and international recognition, as Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem for carbon trading.

Speaking in Jakarta on Wednesday, Minister Juli noted that Indonesia holds vast carbon potential, but development has been slow due to differing perspectives. “We are committed to continuously improving our carbon trading ecosystem. The potential is enormous, but progress has been delayed by conflicting views,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

The government has issued Presidential Regulation No. 110/2025 on Carbon Economic Value, followed by Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. 6/2026 as a technical guideline for the forestry sector. These policies have drawn praise from global institutions such as ICVCM, Verra, and IETA, which play key roles in shaping international carbon markets.

Beyond regulation, the Forestry Ministry is opening opportunities for carbon trading in conservation areas. A pilot project is underway in Way Kambas National Park, alongside the creation of a National Park Financing Innovation Task Force to explore blended finance models for conservation.

Minister Raja Juli emphasized that carbon market development must benefit not only private companies but also local communities. The ministry is encouraging carbon projects in social forestry and customary forests to ensure broader economic impact and strengthen sustainable forest governance.

The initiatives have received warm welcome from industry players. Chair of the Indonesia Carbon and Biodiversity Alliance (ICBA), Raffael Kardinal, said the ministry’s policies have accelerated ongoing projects.

ICBA is developing a 73,000‑hectare forest management project near Manusela National Park in Maluku, now seeking international validation, and a 97,000‑hectare carbon restoration project in North Halmahera using reforestation methods.

“These policies have greatly supported our work, as we have several carbon projects already in progress,” Raffael said.

With stronger regulations, pilot projects, and industry collaboration, Indonesia aims to position its carbon market as high‑integrity and globally competitive, while ensuring benefits reach communities and conservation efforts. ***