The Norwegian Government announced a contribution of 100 million US dollars to support Indonesia’s continuous efforts in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation during the United Nation Climate Change Conference (COP28), Friday, 1 December 2023 in Dubai. This contribution is the second payment, following the earlier support of 56 million US dollars, made after the joint agreement signed in September 2022 between the governments of Indonesia and Norway to strengthen efforts in combating climate change and protecting forests in Indonesia.
On the same occasion, Bustar Maitar, CEO EcoNusa Foundation conveyed that the 100 million dollars support from Norwegian Government is not a gift but an acknowledgment of the hard work of the Indonesian government under the leadership of President Joko Widodo and Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya.
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“I have closely followed the bilateral agreement between Indonesia and Norway since its signing in 2010. Over the past 8 years, the Indonesian government under the leadership of President Joko Widodo and Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya, has taken corrective and progressive measures. Indonesia’s deforestation rate reached its lowest historical level in 2019/2020, at 115,500 hectares, nearly a 90% reduction from 1.09 million hectares in 2014/2015,” said Bustar.
He further explained that the Indonesia government’s progress is also evident through the reduction and control of forest fires, protection of peatlands, the permanent establishment of the forest moratorium, the revocation and evaluation of permits for over 3 million hectares of land, restoration of vital mangrove areas, and ongoing development of social forestry initiatives.
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Bustar further stated that EcoNusa Foundation appreciates the joint efforts of the government through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Republic of Indonesia (KLHK) to protect over 50% of the remaining tropical forests in Eastern Indonesia.
“We remain committed to supporting the Indonesian government in achieving the FOLU Net Sink 2030 target by strengthening the capacity of indigenous communities in forest management and protection efforts. Additionally, we aim to promote best practices from indigenous communities as a reference for the government in enhancing forest governance policies and sustainable development, particularly in Papua and the Maluku Islands. Ensuring the well-being and recognition of indigenous territories are crucial for preserving Indonesia’s last forest stronghold,” Bustar concluded.
