The "State of Indonesia's Forest 2024" (SOIFO 2024) was officially launched by Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry on July 23, 2024, during a side event that took place at the 27th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO) in Rome, Italy.

SOIFO documents government policies that have addressed the management of forests and the environment over a number of years. The project was first launched in 2018 and updated editions were subsequently published in 2020, 2022 and 2024. This book is considered an important publication by Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and provides updated data and insights on the condition of Indonesia's forests, including detailed analyses of the various challenges and opportunities that are associated with forest management. The 2024 edition focuses on the theme "Towards the Sustainability of Forest Ecosystems in Indonesia" and highlights various efforts that involve the seeding, planting and utilization of sustainable forests. The book can be accessed through the ministry’s website.

According to Press Release of KLHK Nomor: SP. 165/HUMAS/PPIP/HMS.3/7/2024, SOIFO 2024 highlights one significant feature, specifically the implementation of the National Forest Monitoring System (SIMONTANA), which uses remote sensing and terrestrial technologies in order to provide real-time data on forest resources, biodiversity and a number of other critical aspects. This platform is instrumental in forest planning and climate mitigation strategies, and is supporting Indonesia's goal of achieving a FOLU (Forestry and Other Land Use) Net Sink by 2030.

While both editions (SOIFO 2022 and 2024) aim to provide a detailed assessment of Indonesia's forests, the 2024 SOIFO book introduces more advanced technological tools and emphasizes climate resilience and sustainability to a greater extent than the 2022 edition. This enhanced focus on real-time data monitoring and international collaboration in 2024 reflects evolving challenges and priorities in forest management and conservation.

SOIFO 2022 provided focus and content that set out a comprehensive overview of the condition of Indonesia's forests, focusing specifically on forest cover, rates of deforestation, biodiversity and conservation efforts up until that year. Furthermore, SOIFO 2022 also emphasized the outcomes of various forest management policies and initiatives that had been undertaken over the past few years and the impacts of these on forest sustainability. SOIFO 2022 also featured the foundational integrating stages of more advanced technological systems for the monitoring and management of forests, including initial implementations of remote sensing and GIS technologies. Finally, SOIFO 2022 focused on evaluating related policies and their effectiveness in reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management, including case studies and examples of successful conservation projects and initiatives across Indonesia.

SOIFO 2024 provided focus and content on an Enhanced Technological Framework, Climate Resilience and Sustainability, Data Accessibility and International Collaboration, and Goals and Future Directions. The 2024 edition introduces the National Forest Monitoring System (SIMONTANA), which is a more advanced and comprehensive platform for the monitoring of forest resources that utilizes remote sensing and terrestrial technologies. SIMONTANA provides real-time data on forest cover, biodiversity and other critical metrics, making it a central tool for forest planning and climate mitigation. SIMONTANA ensures that data is accessible to various stakeholders, and facilitates timely decision-making and policy formulation.

The 2024 report places a significant emphasis on climate resilience and the sustainability of forest ecosystems, reflecting the growing urgency of addressing the various impacts associated with climate change. Furthermore, the new report sets out a number of strategies and measures that aim to enhance the resilience of forests to climate change and other environmental pressures.

Finally, the 2024 edition outlines clear goals for achieving a FOLU Net Sink by 2030, providing a roadmap for how Indonesia plans to balance forest conservation with economic development. This roadmap includes more detailed projections and plans for future forest management, restoration and conservation efforts.

FORCLIME support

As a bilateral cooperation programme between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, FORCLIME supports forestry development programmes and governance implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. These programmes encompass Forest Policy, Sustainable Forest Management and Human Capacity Development.

Through the Center of Data and Information (Pusdatin) of KLHK, FORCLIME has supported several activities that relate to the drafting, discussion, soft launching and publishing of SOIFO since 2017. During SOIFO 2022, FORCLIME was involved in the updating processes through the provision of experts, expertise and book printing facilities. Meanwhile, in terms of SOIFO 2024, FORCLIME supported some preparatory process meetings.

Way Forward

FORCLIME, despite its limitations as a project, will continue to support selected Pusdatin priority activities that relate to the implementation of the One Data policy including updating data, statistics and information on forestry.

For more information, please contact:
Fadhilatunnisa Nurhadiza, Junior Adviser for Sustainable Forest Management
Mohammad Rayan, Technical Adviser for Cross-Cutting Issues and Conflict Management
Wandojo Siswanto, Strategic Area Manager for Forest Policy and Climate Change

Created: 07 August 2024