Indonesia was one of the first developing nations to commit to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2020. Three quarters of Indonesia’s emissions result from deforestation and land degradation, so meeting this commitment will require major changes in how it manages its forests. Indonesia is developing a national strategy for REDD+ which includes respect for rights of indigenous peoples and local communities including the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Implementing commitments on the rights of indigenous peoples, in terms of rights in forestry issues as REDD+ plans are developed and implemented, will be a major challenge as land use planning, forestry licensing and agriculture policies and norms do not currently respect community rights.

Some 40 pilot projects and demonstration activities for REDD+ are under development around the archipelago, but none have completed negotiations with affected indigenous peoples and local communities. Most are still in the early stages of discussion with affected communities on potential benefits and costs, even though permits for REDD+ projects are already being issued by national and provincial governments.