Bambang Ismoyo, Jakarta – Indonesia has allocated $120 million to support conservation, development, and maintenance efforts at Way Kambas National Park in Lampung province.
Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo said the funding – equivalent to around Rp 2 trillion – will be used to protect one of the country's most important conservation areas, which is home to endangered Sumatran elephants and critically endangered Sumatran rhinos.
"This is a clear affirmation of the government's seriousness, including concrete funding, to protect national parks. A total of $120 million has been allocated for Way Kambas," Hashim said at the 2026 Indonesia Economic Summit in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Hashim said the budget commitment was conveyed directly by President Prabowo during a meeting with Britain's King Charles III at Lancaster House in London in January. He stressed that the funds are fully sourced from Indonesia's domestic budget and do not rely on international donors.
"This is a real example that we are truly implementing what we have stated," Hashim said.
Beyond funding, Hashim said the president has also committed to a major expansion of Indonesia's forest ranger force, with plans to increase personnel to around 70,000 from the current level of about 5,000. The existing number, he said, has long been insufficient to protect Indonesia's 57 national parks and other conservation areas.
"At least for now, this number will be adequate to protect national parks, protected forests and other critical areas that are vital for environmental sustainability and for our planet," he said.
Hashim emphasized that the government's renewed focus on conservation is urgent, noting that over the past 10 to 15 years an estimated 4 million hectares of protected forests and national parks have been illegally occupied by oil palm plantations operated by irresponsible business actors.
"These are two concrete examples of President Prabowo's and the government's seriousness in protecting the environment," he said.