[Jakarta, 4 August 2022] Indonesia is home to the third-largest tropical rainforest in the world, stretching from Sumatra to Papua. This year, the Indonesia Forest Day Consortium once again marks Indonesia Forest Day, commemorated annually on August 7.

This year’s theme, “Our Forests Are Priceless” (“Hutan Kita Sultan”), aims to spark greater public awareness and concern for forest conservation, while also encouraging the Government of Indonesia to formally recognize Indonesia Forest Day.

Miftachur Ben Robani, Coordinator of the 2022 Indonesia Forest Day Consortium, said:
“Our forests are rich—home to diverse flora and fauna. Located in the tropics with high rainfall, Indonesia has extraordinary biodiversity. Our forests are also sources of food and medicine, clean water and air, homes and cultural roots for Indigenous Peoples and diverse communities, and vital carbon sinks. Forests provide countless benefits—not only for those living within or near them, but also for people far away. That is why protecting Indonesia’s forests is a shared responsibility.”

Indonesia Forest Day also serves as a moment of reflection on how far the country has come in protecting its forests.

Based on Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) data processed by Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan, Indonesia lost around 4 million hectares of natural forest between 2011 and 2019. However, annual forest loss has shown a declining trend in recent years.

“This progress deserves recognition and continued monitoring, so that the downward trend in forest loss can be sustained and Indonesia’s climate targets—under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and FOLU Net Sink 2030 policy—can be achieved,” said Nadia Hadad, Executive Director of Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan.

Maria Dwianto, Communications Director of PT Rimba Makmur Utama, added:
“We fully support Indonesia Forest Day as an effort to build awareness and love for forests among young people, especially urban communities. It is crucial to raise awareness among youth, as they will become future decision-makers. Forest restoration and conservation are key agendas in fighting climate change.”

Christian Natalie, Program Manager at Hutan Itu Indonesia, emphasized the broader impact of the celebration:
“On this day, forests are being talked about—not because of fires, destruction, or conflicts—but because thousands of groups and millions of people are creatively campaigning and collaborating in action, at least one day a year on August 7. The goal is to make forest issues more inclusive, so that more people become forest guardians—even if they live far from the forest.”

Support also comes from urban youth communities, including K-pop fans in Indonesia.

Nurul Sarifah, campaigner from KPOP4PLANET, explained:
“K-pop fans are largely from Generation Z and Millennials, and the worsening climate crisis—including deforestation—threatens our future. K-pop fans have taken part in various conservation efforts, such as adopting protected wildlife, tree planting, tree adoption programs, and signing petitions to protect forests in Papua. Our solidarity in protecting forests is part of our climate action.”

Yanuarius Anouw, Director of Bentara Papua, highlighted the importance of Papua’s forests:
“Indonesia Forest Day reminds us of our responsibility as humans to safeguard forest and land ecosystems for life on this planet. Papua’s tropical forests make an invaluable contribution to humanity and biodiversity. The government’s commitment to protecting Papua’s forests and biodiversity will help safeguard endemic flora and fauna and uphold Indigenous rights.

For Indigenous communities in Papua, forests are like a mother—‘Mama’—because they provide everything: traditional medicine, flora and fauna, cultural rituals, and livelihoods. When we protect Indigenous territories—forests and lands—we protect human life itself.”

Indonesia Forest Day is an initiative of the Indonesia Forest Day Consortium, a collaborative forum consisting of 27 member organizations united by a shared mission to conserve Indonesia’s forests.

“Our Forests Are Priceless” serves as the main campaign message, inviting all segments of society to recognize that Indonesia’s forests are rich in biodiversity, culture, potential, and economic value. Because without forests, there is no life.

Last year’s celebration involved 96 cross-organizational collaborators, 792 digital volunteers, and more than 49,879 participants across 42 events, including exhibitions, webinars, competitions, virtual series, and concerts.

This year’s main celebration will take place at Hutan Kota Kemayoran in Jakarta, featuring a music event with Feby Putri and other musicians performing forest-themed and popular songs. The event will also include a screening of the short film Segala dalam Diam, which tells the story of young people in the Katingan Forest, Central Kalimantan.

The celebration will be held offline at Hutan Kota Kemayoran and streamed live via Instagram @harihutan_id.

The event will also feature a “forest-inspired feast” showcasing local cuisine, including dishes made from non-timber forest products (NTFPs), along with an exhibition highlighting the journey of Indonesia Forest Day over the years.

Media Contact:
Luluk Uliyah
+62 815 1986 8887
harihutan.id@gmail.com