Indonesia aims to recognize 1.4 million hectares as customary forests

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the recognition of 1.4 million hectares of land across Indonesia as customary forests as part of efforts to combat environmental crimes and strengthen community involvement in forest management.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni conveyed the statement while outlining Indonesia’s national strategy for environmental protection at the United for Wildlife Global Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday (November 4).

“One of the most often neglected aspects in the fight against environmental crimes is the involvement of customary and local communities; they are the true guardians of our forests,” he said in a statement cited in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He noted that in March 2025, the government formed a task force to accelerate the designation of customary forest land, with the Ministry of Forestry targeting full implementation of the president’s order by 2029.

Underscoring the initiative’s importance, Antoni said that recognizing customary land rights not only honors local communities but also helps reduce deforestation rates by 30–50 percent, as reflected in the State of Indonesia’s Forest 2024 report.

He added that the customary forest agenda also aims to enhance legal certainty and land tenure security while promoting sustainable forest management practices.

“That is why expediting the recognition of customary forests is crucial. Equally important is voicing our commitment to recognizing customary and local communities,” Antoni emphasized.

At the international forum, he urged stronger global cooperation to fight environmental crimes, particularly deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade.

He then affirmed Indonesia’s readiness to take an active role in mobilizing the international community toward shared environmental goals.

“Let us move beyond rhetoric toward true solidarity. Indonesia stands ready to collaborate; together, we can pass on our natural heritage to future generations,” he said.

Meanwhile, United for Wildlife Executive Director Tom Clements praised Indonesia’s 1.4 million-hectare customary forest initiative, calling it an inspiring, community-based effort to protect both humanity and the planet.