It is good news for Indonesian forests and, by extension, worldwide climate change, that Indonesia and Norway agreed to partner once again.
The Norwegian government has indeed decided to continue supporting Indonesia's efforts to protect forests and peatlands.
Kalimantan peatland
It’s a surprising turn of events because Jakarta had ended an existing agreement last year due to lack of payment. Jakarta said it had met its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 11.2 million tonnes of carbon-dioxide emissions in 2016-2017.
However, Indonesia and Norway have agreed to start a new partnership aimed at reducing carbon emissions from deforestation in Indonesia, home to a third of the world's rainforests. Way too much of it has already been lost due to the expansion of crops such as palm oil.
Palm oil farm in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
However, the government has said the deforestation rate has slowed and that balance is needed to allow development.
Aside from palm oil, mining is also responsible for a dramatic amount of deforestation. In other words, no need to say that this new agreement is great news.
Palm oil fruits
The new forest and climate partnership is following a results-based model, where Indonesia sets the strategy and manages the funds. On the other side, Norway contributes annual results-based financial contributions for Indonesia's emission reductions.
During climate talks in Glasgow last year, Indonesia declined to back a plan to end deforestation by 2030 but pledged a "carbon net sink" in its forestry sector by then, meaning that the sector will absorb more greenhouse gas emissions than it emits by the end of the decade.
We shall see whether this new agreement will last, and if both parties will act on their commitment. In the meantime, Kaltimber will keep its commitment to solely use wood salvage from disused structures, and plant trees in Kalimantan as part of its CSR commitment.
Kalimantan forest
"The MOU is also to emphasize the importance of deliverables tangible and direct benefits for the community and for the progress of Indonesia in pursuant to the prevailing governance," said Indonesia's Siti.