RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government has established a task force to develop innovative financing for national park management under Presidential Decree Number 8 of 2026. The initiative aims at increasing biodiversity protection while improving community welfare.

The task force meeting was held in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, led by Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo. The meeting also involved stakeholders, including NGOs and development partners, to gather input on financing mechanisms.

The initiative is designed to improve conservation governance through sustainable and adaptive funding schemes. It seeks to ensure that national park management delivers direct benefits to surrounding communities.

“This conservation financing innovation is not for commercialization. Ecology comes before tourism, and tourism should support ecology,” Hashim conveyed as quoted from a press release.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Forestry Minister, Raja Juli Antoni, said the government will begin with pilot projects in 13 national parks. Additional pilot areas include the Peusangan and Bukit 30 landscapes, which are key habitats for iconic species.

The task force will implement a dual-track strategy focusing on regulatory reform, institutional strengthening, and policy design. It will also mobilize resources through partnerships, community-based management, and financial instruments.

The initiative includes exploring mechanisms such as carbon trading and blended finance involving philanthropy and private sector investment. These efforts aim to expand funding sources for conservation programs.

WWF-Indonesia expressed support, stating the initiative could unlock large-scale philanthropic and multilateral funding. WWF-Indonesia CEO Aditya Bayunanda believed this is expected to support habitat conservation efforts for key species in Indonesia.

The government will also strengthen field capacity, including forest rangers and ecosystem controllers. Technology-based monitoring systems will be enhanced to ensure transparency and accountability.

Through collaboration between government, communities, and partners, national parks are expected to function more effectively as sustainable life-support systems. The initiative aims to position Indonesia’s conservation efforts at a global standard.