Indonesia Demonstrates Global Leadership in REDD+ Implementation with Tangible Emission Reductions

October 6, 2025

Jakarta, 6 October 2025 – Indonesia has reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading countries in the fight against climate change. Through the implementation of the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) scheme, Indonesia has successfully reduced emissions from the forestry and land-use sectors, while also receiving international recognition in the form of Result-Based Payments (RBP) with a total commitment of USD 499.8 million, of which USD 340.7 million has already been disbursed. This amount includes support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the Accredited Entity, with a total allocation of USD 103.8 million.

This achievement underscores Indonesia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and demonstrates how transparent, evidence-based, and collaborative governance can deliver sustainable climate solutions. With a forest cover of 95.5 million hectares—the third largest in the world—Indonesia is determined to achieve the FOLU Net Sink 2030 target, where carbon absorption exceeds emissions.

“This project stands as a powerful testament to Indonesia’s leadership in global climate action and to the catalytic role of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The proceeds of this project have been strategically invested to advance Indonesia’s national REDD+ strategy. This includes strengthening the REDD+ architecture, enhancing implementation capacity, supporting decentralized forest governance, and expanding the national Social Forestry programme. These efforts have empowered local communities, improved forest restoration, and supported the alignment of REDD+ with the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),” said Hemant Mandal, Director, Department of the Asia and the Pacific Region, Green Climate Fund.

The Ministry of Forestry has reported key achievements, including the rehabilitation of more than 2 million hectares of forest and land between 2015 and 2024, and a 19.6% reduction in the extent of forest fires. These measures are reinforced by a moratorium on new licenses for primary natural forests and peatlands, peatland protection, social forestry initiatives, and multi-forestry enterprise programs that directly benefit communities.

“The success of REDD+ proves that low-carbon development can be achieved with transparent governance and the participation of all stakeholders. This is an important legacy for future generations,” said Minister of Environment, Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.

Beyond protecting forests, the government is strengthening environmental governance as a whole. The Ministry of Environment is promoting instruments such as pollution control, biodiversity protection, and the integration of climate action into national development planning. REDD+ has thus become not only a forestry program, but also a central component of Indonesia’s transition toward low-carbon development.

“REDD+ is a crucial instrument for reducing emissions while also advancing environmental justice. It ensures that Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and vulnerable groups share in the benefits of Indonesia’s climate action,” said Minister of Forestry, Mr. Raja Juli Antoni.

Indonesia’s success with REDD+ has been underpinned by strong governance architecture. The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forestry have established systems such as Measurement, Reporting and Verification, the Forest Reference Emission Level, and the National Registry System as credible tools to monitor emissions.

Indonesia has also operationalized the Safeguards Information System to ensure that REDD+ implementation aligns with inclusive principles, gender responsiveness, and safeguards for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. This strengthens Indonesia’s legitimacy as a credible global leader in REDD+ implementation.

 
BPDLH as the National Green Finance Platform  

The Indonesian Environment Fund (BPDLH) plays a central role as the fund manager for REDD+ in Indonesia. With the support of GCF, BPDLH channels global climate financing transparently to address national climate needs such as forest restoration, critical land rehabilitation, and improving the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. This role positions BPDLH as a bridge between international commitments and on-the-ground needs.

“BPDLH serves as a green financing platform that connects global support, including from the GCF, with concrete action in Indonesia. The REDD+ funding we manage not only supports forest rehabilitation and peatland restoration but also enhances community livelihoods. Transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness are our guiding principles in managing every rupiah of environmental funds,” said Joko Tri Haryanto, President Director of BPDLH.

Collaboration with UNDP in Accelerating REDD+  

UNDP, as an Accredited Entity of the GCF, supports Indonesia in ensuring REDD+ financing is accessible and effectively managed. Together with the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Forestry, and BPDLH, UNDP strengthens national and subnational capacities through training, the development of safeguards standards, and technical assistance for funding proposals.

This approach ensures that REDD+ delivers not only emission reductions but also protection for Indigenous Peoples, promotion of gender equality, and strengthened socio-economic development as part of Indonesia’s sustainable human development agenda.

In the lead-up to COP30, Indonesia is finalizing its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035, with an ambitious target of reducing emissions by up to 60% compared to 2019 levels. The new phase of REDD+ financing, marked by the Kick-off Meeting for Concept Note and Funding Proposal preparation in Jakarta on 12 August 2025, reaffirms Indonesia’s commitment to implementing the program inclusively, transparently, and based on evidence.

“Indonesia’s REDD+ journey is not only about forests, but also about people, livelihoods, and our shared future. By reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity, and expanding green economic opportunities, Indonesia has led by example in showing how climate action can drive both economic growth and stronger livelihoods for communities. UNDP remains fully committed to supporting the government in advancing REDD+ as a cornerstone of sustainable human development,” said Ms. Sara Ferrer Olivella, UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative. 

With strong collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Forestry, BPDLH, and UNDP, Indonesia continues to show that climate change mitigation can move in step with equitable and lasting development for all. 

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Media Contact: 

1. Mulkan Gani, Humas BPDLH ‪(081282240045)‬

2. Nabilla Rahmani, Head of Communication UNDP Indonesia, nabilla.rahmani@undp.org (082121782060)