RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Sustainable nature financing and biodiversity protection have been significantly strengthened through a new agreement between the governments of Indonesia and the United Kingdom.

In a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday, January 22, 2026, Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq explained that this alliance is crucial to ensuring that nature protection remains the foundation for Indonesia's economic resilience. This goal is being realized by positioning Aceh as a model for sustainable development and leveraging UK expertise to mobilize international environmental funding.

"Nature protection is not an obstacle to development, but rather the foundation for economic resilience and the long-term welfare of the nation," said Minister Hanif, as quoted by Antara.

This remark was delivered during an international forum titled "Building a Nature First Economy in Indonesia: Advancing Sustainable Nature Finance in Aceh and Beyond" held in the United Kingdom.

He highlighted the leadership direction of the Indonesian President, which encourages the transformation of certain forest concession areas into conservation landscapes. This policy is viewed as a strategic step to ensure that national development remains within the limits of environmental carrying capacity.

"The decision to strengthen conservation areas within production landscapes shows that the state is present to ensure development runs in harmony with the protection of ecosystems and wildlife," Minister Hanif explained.

During the forum, the Peusangan Elephant Conservation Initiative (PECI) in Aceh was introduced as a concrete example of a living landscape approach.

This initiative integrates the protection of Sumatran elephant habitats with regenerative agroforestry and community-based economic strengthening. Aceh is seen as a pilot model that can be replicated across various high-biodiversity regions throughout Indonesia.

As the country with the world's second-largest biodiversity, Indonesia views these natural assets as a strategic national foundation for long-term economic resilience. Minister Hanif noted that the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), along with the Ministry of Environment, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and other agencies, have drafted the Indonesia Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP) 2025-2045.

This plan serves as a framework for mainstreaming nature protection across sectors and mobilizing sustainable financing. Through partnerships with the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), The Royal Foundation, WWF, and the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits, Indonesia is strengthening its national capacity.

These efforts focus on developing biodiversity financing mechanisms, building capacity for biodiversity credits, and eradicating environmental crimes. Minister Hanif concluded that this collaboration is an essential part of Indonesia's strategy to bridge environmental protection with inclusive and sustainable development. ***