Indonesia-Norway Launch New FOLU Community Grant Program

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Grassroots communities across Indonesia will gain expanded access to climate financing after Indonesia and Norway launched a new IDR 7 billion (approximately USD 416,000) round of small grants aimed at accelerating the country’s Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 target.

The fourth phase of the Community Fund for Environment Services was unveiled in Jakarta on Thursday, February 12, 2026, following a meeting between Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni and Norwegian Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust.

The initiative forms part of the Indonesia-Norway cooperation framework supported through a Result Based Contribution (RBC) funding mechanism. “Today, we proudly launch the fourth phase of the Community Fund for Environment Services,” Minister Raja Juli Antoni said, as quoted by Antara.

The scheme is designed to support community development and environmental protection by channeling funds to local non-profit organizations, indigenous communities, universities and other groups. The Forestry Ministry distributes the funds through the Environmental Fund Management Agency (BPDLH).

Across its first three phases, the program disbursed IDR 19.31 billion to 561 community groups, benefiting 31,512 recipients in 36 provinces.

For the fourth round, IDR 7 billion has been allocated with a target of around 200 grant recipients. The Minister noted that the amount remains relatively small and expressed hope that funding could be doubled in the fifth phase next year.

Minister Asmund Aukrust praised the ongoing partnership, emphasizing its broader significance. “This is a cooperation we are proud of. It reflects a commitment to a sustainable economy and a sustainable future,” he said.

Applications for the latest round are open from February 12 to 19, 2026, with a simplified online registration process via layanan-dana-masyarakat.bpdlh.id. Applicants may submit proposals under one of three themes of FOLU Goes to School, focusing on youth engagement in conservation; FOLU Terra, aimed at improving community welfare through environmentally based activities; and FOLU Biodiversity, supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. ***