Ecobiz.asia — Indonesia and Japan have agreed to strengthen wildlife conservation cooperation through a komodo dragon breeding loan scheme as part of broader environmental diplomacy and global biodiversity conservation efforts.
The agreement was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni and Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Yasutomo Suzuki in Shizuoka, Japan, on Saturday (March 28).
The cooperation focuses on a breeding loan program for the komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), aimed at supporting conservation of the endangered species through collaboration between institutions in both countries.
Raja Juli said the partnership goes beyond animal exchange and reflects Indonesia’s broader green diplomacy strategy in safeguarding global biodiversity.
“The breeding loan program holds strategic value in strengthening public education and raising global awareness of the importance of conservation,” he said.
In addition to supporting species preservation, the MoU is also intended to enhance public awareness and deepen bilateral ties between Indonesia and Japan in the environmental sector.
Both parties have committed to implementing the program in accordance with animal welfare principles and international regulations, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The cooperation will be followed up through technical arrangements between conservation institutions, namely iZoo in Shizuoka and Surabaya Zoo, covering aspects such as animal care, transport, and monitoring.
The Forestry Ministry said the program will be carried out carefully, transparently, and in compliance with national regulations as well as international standards.
The MoU signing forms part of President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Japan, which also includes meetings with Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Through this partnership, Indonesia reaffirms its active role in global conservation leadership while expanding its environmental diplomacy efforts. ***
