Indonesia has announced plans to rehabilitate nearly 12 million hectares of degraded forest land as part of an ambitious strategy to expand its carbon credit market and strengthen climate action efforts. Government officials said the programme is aimed at restoring ecosystems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating new economic opportunities through international carbon trading mechanisms.
Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry recently introduced updated regulations governing forest-sector carbon trading, with authorities stating that the new framework is designed to improve transparency, governance, and credibility in the country’s carbon economy.
Officials have highlighted the role of social forestry and community participation in achieving the restoration target, which is linked to Indonesia’s broader climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The government also expects international carbon credit exports to become a significant source of green financing for conservation programmes.
However, environmental groups and analysts have raised concerns over enforcement challenges and reports of rising forest loss in recent years. Authorities say stronger monitoring systems and regulatory reforms will be essential to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
