RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and restoring tropical peatlands at the Fourth Meeting of the Partners of the Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI-4), positioning itself for a greater leadership role in global climate and biodiversity efforts.

The move is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s environmental diplomacy, expand international cooperation, and support sustainable management of one of the world’s largest tropical peatland ecosystems.

Speaking at the forum, Head of Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation at the Forestry Ministry, Ristianto Pribadi, said Indonesia is ready to help strengthen global peatland governance through closer international collaboration.

Indonesia has around 24 million hectares of tropical peatlands, with more than 70 percent located within state forest areas managed by the ministry.

“Tropical peatlands are not only national assets but strategic global assets. The future of the global climate, biodiversity conservation, and community resilience depends on our ability to protect these ecosystems,” Ristianto said in a statement released on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Indonesia also expressed its readiness to strengthen the International Tropical Peatland Center (ITPC) as a hub for knowledge-sharing, research, innovation, and international cooperation among tropical peatland countries.

“We believe ITPC should evolve into a global collaboration center for tropical countries. With Indonesia’s experience in protecting and managing peatland ecosystems, we are ready to lead its strengthening,” he said.

Indonesia further invited members of the Global Peatlands Initiative and other partners to attend the Peatland Forest Forum 2026, which will be held in Indonesia in October. ***