The governments of Indonesia and Norway signed recently a US$1 billion partnership to cut Indonesian emissions from deforestation and forest degradation to resist climate change. Indonesia, the world’s third-largest forest nation with 120 million hectares, pledged a two-year suspension on issuing new permits to convert natural forests or peatlands. Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan spoke with the The Jakarta Post’s Adianto P. Simamora about the two countries’ forestry partnership. Below are excerpts from the interview.

Question: Could you explain the reasons for the two-year moratorium?   

Answer: Let me first explain about the partnership (between Norway and Indonesia). It did not come out of the blue. It was made through long negotiations. The agreement could be realized because of Norway’s trust in Indonesia’s strong commitment to deal with climate change. It is an appreciation for Indonesia by the international community.