Ecobiz.asia – The Indonesian government, in partnership with the UK government, has launched Phase 5 of the Multistakeholder Forestry Programme (MFP) to strengthen sustainable forest governance and enhance global market confidence in Indonesian timber and forestry products.
Backed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), MFP Phase 5 continues a long-standing Indonesia–UK strategic partnership that began in 2000. Under the latest phase, the UK government has committed a £12 million grant through 2029.
The programme will focus on strengthening institutions at both national and site levels, improving transparency and inclusivity in forest governance, refining sustainability and legality systems such as the Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK), and expanding global market access for Indonesian forestry products.
MFP Phase 5 is also designed to support Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 target by promoting more transparent, inclusive and results-oriented forest management.
Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni said MFP has served as a key collaborative platform for multiple stakeholders in improving national forest governance.
He noted that since its early phases, the programme has delivered major outcomes, including the implementation of SVLK and Indonesia’s status as the first country to sign the FLEGT–VPA agreement with the European Union.
“Through MFP Phase 5, we will continue to drive continuous improvements in forest management, from strengthening timber legality to enhancing the welfare of communities living around forest areas,” Raja Juli Antoni said at the launch on Monday (Feb. 9, 2026).
He stressed the need to maintain a balance between economic development and environmental protection, adding that stronger forest governance would enhance forest carrying capacity while safeguarding long-term economic benefits.
MFP Phase 5 will operate under the direction of a Programme Steering Committee (PSC), comprising representatives from the Indonesian and UK governments as well as relevant stakeholders.
UK Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey said international cooperation is essential to addressing climate change and protecting forests. He noted that the future of Indonesia’s forests has global implications and requires close collaboration between government and society.
“MFP Phase 5 demonstrates that the Indonesia–UK partnership can contribute to climate and biodiversity goals while also creating economic opportunities,” Jermey said. He added that the programme could open up new business prospects, including for SMEs and sustainable forestry industry players in both countries. ***
