RRI.CO.ID, Bengkulu - The Indonesian and British governments held a Policy Dialog in Bengkulu on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. The step is to accelerate low-carbon and climate-resilient development.

The strategic forum aims at fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration in transforming commitments into real actions for environmental preservation in Bengkulu Province.

Deputy for Food, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency, Leonardo A. A. Teguh Sambodo, explained that this activity is designed to align the sustainable development agenda across government sectors.

"This forum serves as a shared space for us to align the sustainable development agenda, particularly Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Development (PRKBI), and to ensure regional readiness in supporting national targets, as well as efforts for synergy across central and regional governments, legislative bodies, the private sector, and civil society," Teguh stated.

Bengkulu has been designated as one of the four pilot provinces for the subnational implementation of the PRKBI, along with North Sumatra, NTB, and Maluku. With its natural wealth, Bengkulu is considered to have great potential in supporting the low-carbon transition targets in accordance with the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045 mandate.

AFOLU sector data shows that Bengkulu has a forest area of 928,863 hectares that serves as a major carbon sink. Of this area, 49.58 percent is conservation forest and 27.8 percent is protected forest that must be maintained for sustainability.

However, real challenges such as coastal erosion and the climate crisis require integrated handling through the integration of PRKBI into regional planning documents Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) and Strategic Plan. This step is crucial to ensure that regional development remains resilient in the face of global environmental changes.

In conclusion, Teguh encourages strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders to maximize the potential of renewable energy and existing regional governance.

"Bengkulu has strong capital in natural resources, renewable energy potential, continuously improving governance, and a clear political vision." Therefore, I invite all stakeholders to integrate PRKBI into RPJMD and APBD (Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget) and strengthen collaboration so that its benefits are tangible for the community and future generations," Teguh said.