Indonesia highlights forest protection, wildfire fight at COP31

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, special envoy to the Indonesian president on climate and energy, highlighted forest protection efforts and measures to combat wildfires at the COP31 summit in the Turkish city of Antalya on Thursday, as his country faces heightened drought risks due to prolonged El Nino conditions.

“We are strengthening prevention, such as restoration, and law enforcement, while working closely with regional partners to address the widespread, including transboundary haze impact through continued cooperation,” he said.

Indonesia is experiencing an unusually prolonged dry season, with El Nino contributing to conditions conducive to wildfires.

Forest and land fires affected approximately 202,000 hectares (499,153 acres) between January and July this year, exceeding the areas affected during the same periods in 2019 and 2023, both El Nino years.

More than 25,000 members of local communities are engaged in preventing forest fires, while the number of forest rangers and firefighters is being increased from 8,000 to 70,000, Hashim said.

“We will not choose between development and climate action,” he said, stressing Indonesia’s commitment to economic growth, food and energy security, job creation and cleaner energy.

Djojohadikusumo said agricultural expansion would not encroach on forested areas, particularly primary forests, adding that development must make Indonesians “more prosperous and resilient.”

He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner, protecting 30% of its oceans and developing 100 gigawatts of solar power.

The special evoy also called for climate finance and technology transfers, urging countries to deliver at least $300 billion annually by 2035.