JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry agreed to strengthen its partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to advance cooperation in the forestry sector, officials said.
The agreement was reached during a meeting on Monday in Tokyo between Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni and JICA Senior Vice President Yoshifumi Yoshikawa. Both parties committed to more innovative and impactful initiatives, particularly in climate change mitigation, land degradation rehabilitation, and management of world-class conservation areas, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry.
Minister Antoni described the meeting as a follow-up to directives from President Prabowo Subianto to enhance bilateral ties with Japan. “Both parties agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in the forestry sector, particularly in supporting the agenda of climate change control, land degradation rehabilitation, and world-class conservation area management,” he said in a statement released in Jakarta.
The partnership builds on existing JICA-supported programs in Indonesia, including efforts in sustainable forest management and mangrove conservation. Details on new specific projects, funding amounts, or timelines were not immediately released by either side.
JICA has a long history of technical cooperation with Indonesia in forestry and environmental areas. The agency has previously supported capacity building for mangrove management and community-based forest fire prevention programs.
The Indonesian side invited JICA to contribute to initiatives such as the World Mangrove Center for rehabilitation, research, education, and innovation in mangrove ecosystem management. JICA representatives expressed readiness to continue support through technical cooperation, funding, and knowledge exchange, the ministry said.
No immediate comment was available from JICA on the outcome of the meeting beyond the joint agreement to deepen collaboration.
As of Tuesday, the strengthened partnership remained at the agreement stage. Further details on implementation plans or additional areas of cooperation were not immediately available.
