Govt Allocates IDR 236 Billion, Makes Sumatra Priority in Forest Conservation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Forestry is prioritizing Sumatra in its forest conservation program through the LEVERAGE project, which receives direct support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, explained that Sumatra was chosen because several areas have high conservation value and are highly vulnerable to environmental threats.

“We are currently developing three maps: a vulnerability map, a threat map, and a management map. These elements are crucial for improving forestry governance and assessing vulnerability in high‑value conservation areas,” Dwi said on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

He added that Sumatra was selected not only for its conservation value but also because of the high number of disturbances affecting forests and protected wildlife. “Many incidents have occurred in Sumatra, and this is a serious concern for us,” he said.

The LEVERAGE project has been running for six years with total funding of USD 14.4 million, or around IDR 236 billion. Going forward, the government plans to strengthen data‑based monitoring and law enforcement systems. The ministry will also review its handling of poaching and other wildlife crimes, as perpetrators’ methods continue to evolve.

Although Sumatra is the initial testing ground, the government emphasized that the project’s outcomes will be replicated in other regions. The aim is for the forest and wildlife protection model developed in Sumatra to serve as a national reference.

Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki officially launched the LEVERAGE program, noting that wildlife trafficking often involves networks spanning regions and countries.

He stressed that the project aligns with the national forestry development plan, which covers forest protection, biodiversity conservation, governance, law enforcement, and sustainable forest use.

“This project is relevant to Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 target, which focuses not only on reducing carbon emissions but also on curbing deforestation and forest degradation, strengthening sustainable forest management, and restoring ecosystems,” Rohmat said.

The LEVERAGE project is also expected to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to terrestrial ecosystems, climate action, strong institutions and law enforcement, and partnerships.

“The LEVERAGE project must be part of a broader effort to improve wildlife conservation and habitat protection. Community engagement is essential to changing behaviors related to wildlife use and reducing demand for illegal wildlife,” Rohmat concluded. (Misni Parjiati)