Indonesia Uses Local Knowledge for Forest Goals

Indra Exploitasia Semiawan of Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry spoke in Jakarta about integrating local wisdom into forest restoration programs. The ministry hopes this approach will create benefits beyond simply reducing emissions. They recently launched the documentary “Merawat Esok” (Shaping Tomorrow) to showcase community-led forest protection efforts.

The event, supported by Norway, also featured agroforestry projects like forest coffee and honey production. Speakers emphasized including indigenous groups and farmers in climate risk mitigation, particularly concerning El Niño.

Ramon Y. Tungka noted that indigenous communities have long used traditional practices to preserve nature.

Kiryono, representing a forest farmers group in West Java, affirmed that local communities will continue conservation efforts independently. The ministry acknowledges that broader cooperation is needed to make forest, peatland, and mangrove protection both inclusive and sustainable.