RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia underscored its growing role in sustainable forest management across Southeast Asia during the 21st ASEAN Working Group on Forest Management (AWG‑FM) held in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The country’s delegation, led by Forestry Ministry's Head of Public Relations and International Cooperation Bureau, Ristianto Pribadi, presented a series of reforms and achievements that reflect Indonesia’s transformation in forestry governance.

Quoting the Forestry Ministry's official website, participation in the forum follows directives from Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni to advance Indonesia’s forestry diplomacy and showcase progress in sustainability, community welfare, and climate action.

Indonesia highlighted key advances, including updated national forestry statistics and technology‑based monitoring systems; expansion of nature‑based solutions and regional cooperation; and strategic recommendations to accelerate ASEAN’s Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) agenda.

The country manages 123.9 million hectares of forest, with 67 million hectares designated as production forests under modern, transparent, and accountable governance.

Digitalization of forestry services, strengthened national monitoring, as well as the SVLK+ timber legality and sustainability verification system have boosted Indonesia’s competitiveness in global markets.

Social Forestry programs were also showcased, granting communities access to 8.4 million hectares of forest, involving 1.4 million households, and fostering more than 16,600 Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS). These initiatives have improved livelihoods while safeguarding ecosystems.

Indonesia introduced its new regulation on carbon trading in the forestry sector (Ministerial Regulation No. 6/2026), a milestone in building high‑integrity carbon markets that provide legal certainty and attract green investment.

The country also reaffirmed commitments to forest and land rehabilitation, ecosystem restoration, multi‑business forestry, agroforestry for food and energy crops (FAPE), and mangrove management as nature‑based climate solutions.

At the regional level, Indonesia called for stronger ASEAN collaboration in forestry investment, digital management, bioeconomy development, carbon trading, product diversification, and implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Sustainable Forest Management.

Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that forestry must remain a pillar of national development, balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and community welfare.

Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia continues to modernize forestry governance while deepening ASEAN cooperation to protect tropical forests, accelerate climate action, and deliver tangible economic benefits.

Ristianto Pribadi added that the ASEAN forum serves as a vital platform for technical cooperation and for sharing Indonesia’s policy innovations with member states and development partners.

Indonesia’s active role in the 21st AWG‑FM reflects its commitment to strengthening its position as a global leader in tropical forest management and a strategic partner in advancing sustainable forestry across the ASEAN region. ***