Ministry of Forestry and UNDP Hold Journalists Workshop to Support Indonesia's FOLU Net Sink Agenda
May 16, 2025
Jakarta, 16 May 2025 – The Ministry of Forestry, through its Bureau of Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation, convened a workshop designed to strengthen the role of journalists in supporting Indonesia’s national climate action, particularly the Indonesia Forestry and Other Land Use Net Sink (FOLU Net Sink) 2030 strategy. Held on 16–17 May 2025 in Jakarta and Bogor, the event was organized with support from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event was officially opened by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Forestry, Dr. Ir. Mahfudz, MP, and brought together a wide range of speakers from the FOLU Net Sink 2030 Working Team, business sector, civil society, academia, and non-governmental organizations. Participants also visited the Persemaian Rumpin nursery in Bogor to observe first-hand the large-scale reforestation and restoration efforts that are central to the FOLU Net Sink agenda.
FOLU Net Sink 2030 is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s strategy to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, aiming for the forestry and other land use sector to absorb more carbon emissions than it produces by 2030.
This commitment forms an essential part of Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement as ratified on Act No. 16 year 2016. By focusing on reducing deforestation, restoring forests and peatlands, and advancing sustainable forest management, Indonesia is not only contributing to global climate goals but also fostering improved environmental governance, creating green jobs, and supporting economic resilience and community welfare.
Nevertheless, the path to realizing the FOLU Net Sink 2030 vision is not without challenges. Issues such as land use conflicts, limited technical capacity at the local level, and the need for more integrated funding and data management highlight the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. In this context, the media plays a vital role in shaping public understanding, promoting transparency, and encouraging accountability from policymakers. Journalists, as agents of change, have the unique ability to inspire inclusive participation, amplify the voices of communities, including those who are vulnerable, and ensure that the benefits of sustainable development are shared equitably across society.
Krisdianto, the Ministry of Forestry’s Director of Bureau of Public Relations and International Cooperation, emphasized the importance of this partnership. “Through this training, we hope journalists can become strategic partners to disseminate constructive information and encourage real action at the grassroots level,” said Director Bureau of Public Relations and International Cooperation. He further noted the need for continuous and effective communication to ensure that both public and journalists have a clear understanding of Indonesia’s contributions to global climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Dr. Aretha Aprilia, Head of Nature, Climate and Energy Unit at UNDP Indonesia, highlighted the significance of education and outreach in achieving inclusive climate action. She remarked, “Journalists play a critical role in advancing climate action by uncovering stories that matter, bringing visibility to community-led initiatives, elevating local wisdom, and ensuring that the voices of vulnerable groups are heard in the climate narrative.”
The workshop also facilitated cross-sectoral discussions, bringing together perspectives from government, business, and civil society to enrich journalists’ understanding and enable them to develop balanced, evidence-based narratives. By enhancing journalists’ capacity to report on forestry and climate change issues with greater depth and accuracy, the Ministry of Forestry hopes that the FOLU Net Sink 2030 agenda will be embraced and supported not only at the national level but also throughout Indonesia’s diverse regions.
Ultimately, FOLU Net Sink 2030 underscores Indonesia’s leadership in sustainable forest management and climate action, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to its development priorities. Through strengthened collaboration and informed public discourse, Indonesia is paving the way toward a sustainable, low-carbon future that benefits all its people.
Media contact:
Krisdianto S.Hut, M.Sc, Ph.D
Bureau of Public Relations & Foreign Cooperation, Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia
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