Indonesia shared its experience in accessing and utilising Results-Based Payments (RBP) for REDD+ at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. The country’s experience demonstrates that results-based financing not only rewards successful emissions reductions but also strengthens forest governance and supports sustained climate action.
The experience was presented by Haruni Krisnawati, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Forestry on Climate Change, during a panel discussion titled “REDD+ as a Catalyst: How Results-Based Finance Transforms the Forests and Land Use Sector.” The session was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the UNDP Pavilion in the Blue Zone at COP31 on Thursday (12 November).
Haruni outlined Indonesia’s experience as one of the countries receiving funding through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) REDD+ Results-Based Payments Pilot Programme. Under the programme, Indonesia secured approval for USD 103.8 million in funding in recognition of its emissions reductions from deforestation and forest degradation during the 2014–2016 period.
“Indonesia’s experience shows that the benefits of results-based financing go beyond the funds received. It also strengthens national institutions and capacities, which continue to support forest management and climate action even after the payment period ends,” Haruni said.
According to Haruni, Indonesia has drawn three key lessons from the results-based REDD+ financing process.
First, the importance of strengthening forest monitoring systems and ensuring transparent emissions reporting. The REDD+ RBP process has reinforced the need for a credible national forest monitoring system, consistent emissions reporting, and transparency in demonstrating emissions reduction achievements.
Second, the need to strengthen institutional coordination and programme implementation at both national and subnational levels. REDD+ financing has also supported forest governance, including through Forest Management Units (FMUs), Social Forestry programmes, and community-based forest management.
Third, the importance of strengthening national climate finance management through the Environmental Fund Management Agency (BPDLH), which manages and channels results-based financing to support national priorities and programme implementation at the local level.
Haruni said these three areas provide an important foundation for Indonesia to continue implementing REDD+ while supporting the country’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 agenda.
During the knowledge-sharing session, Indonesia also emphasised the importance of establishing national systems from the outset, particularly for countries preparing to access results-based REDD+ financing.
“Emissions monitoring and reporting systems, safeguards, and financing management mechanisms take time to establish and strengthen. They should therefore be viewed as long-term investments, rather than merely requirements for securing funding,” Haruni explained.
She added that the success of results-based financing also depends on ensuring that its benefits reach those who directly contribute to forest protection and emissions reductions, including local governments, forest management institutions, and communities. This experience will help Indonesia prepare for the next phase of accessing results-based REDD+ financing.
“The most important thing is ensuring that results-based financing strengthens national systems and supports the sustainable implementation of activities on the ground. This will allow its benefits to continue beyond the funding period,” Haruni added.
The discussion, moderated by Dirk Nemitz, AFOLU Team Lead at the UNFCCC Secretariat, provided a platform for countries that have participated in the GCF REDD+ RBP pilot programme—including Indonesia, Uganda, Mexico, and Costa Rica—to exchange experiences with countries preparing to access similar financing.
Through this forum, Indonesia reaffirmed the importance of sustainable climate finance backed by credible national systems and sound governance, ensuring that its benefits continue to support forest protection, community welfare, and the achievement of national climate targets.
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