Deforestation success evidence of effective fund management: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati emphasized that Indonesia’s successful reduction in deforestation serves as evidence of effective management of environmental funds from abroad.

She explained that Norway, among other countries, closely monitors Indonesia's commitment to deforestation reduction. She made the statement after attending a meeting between President Joko Widodo and Norwegian Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Sunday.

"The BPDLH (Indonesia Environment Fund) … has gained international trust as an institution capable of efficiently, accountably, and transparently delivering results-based funds," she said.

Indonesia and Norway collaborate through result-based contributions for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). A 20-million-ton reduction in carbon emissions during 2014–2016 was offset by REDD+ funding through the BPDLH.

However, disbursement of these funds hinges on Indonesia’s continued progress in deforestation reduction. Operating under the Ministry of Finance, the BPDLH receives grant funds not only from the Norwegian government but also from the World Bank and other philanthropic institutions.

"There is a disaster prevention fund of Rp7.5 trillion (around US$461.39 million), which has been included in the BPDLH," she said, adding that the agency also manages the reforestation fund.

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On Saturday, Indrawati, along with Minister Eriksen and Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, visited Gunung Leuser National Park.

The park highlights Indonesia's commitment to deforestation reduction and supports the FOLU (forest and other land uses) Net Sink 2030 goal for greenhouse gas emissions in the forestry sector.