The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forest management, announcing a significant milestone in the integration of its national forest monitoring system (SIMONTANA) with international best practices. A recent workshop, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, brought together over 100 experts from Indonesia and partner countries to discuss the strategic importance of SIMONTANA.
SIMONTANA, launched in 2019, has been instrumental in providing comprehensive geospatial data for evidence-based policies on forest conservation and climate change mitigation. The system's effectiveness was underscored by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arif Havas Oegroseno, who emphasized Indonesia's strong commitment to sustainable forest management. "Indonesia consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable forest management through its nationally recognized forest monitoring system," he stated.
The workshop, held in Bandung on July 22-23, 2025, marked a significant step towards integrating SIMONTANA with international standards and regulatory frameworks. The event was attended by representatives from various Indonesian ministries and agencies, partner country officials, and FAO delegates, both in person and virtually. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to support the advancement of the national forest monitoring system through the development of a strategic roadmap and the dissemination of SIMONTANA-related information.
The integration of SIMONTANA with compliance solutions under transparent value chains regulatory frameworks reflects Indonesia's commitment to environmental sustainability on a global scale. This initiative is part of the country's efforts to promote sustainable commodity value chains, which are critical for mitigating climate change.
By integrating its national forest monitoring system with international best practices, Indonesia aims to enhance the effectiveness of its policies and contribute to the global effort to protect forests. The significance of this development lies in its potential to provide a framework for sustainable forest management, supporting not only Indonesia's economic growth but also its environmental sustainability goals.
In conclusion, the integration of SIMONTANA with international standards marks a significant milestone in Indonesia's commitment to sustainable forest management. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of global sustainability, this initiative demonstrates its dedication to promoting environmentally friendly practices and contributing to the global effort to protect forests.