Accusations of nepotism spark Norwegian concerns about ‘accountability’ in forest aid to Indonesia

March 13, 2025 / By: Ann Danaiya Usher

Norwegian diplomats in Jakarta have responded fast to media reports warning of political nepotism following Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni’s appointment of himself and several members of his Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) to oversee a fund that has received NOK 2.4 billion in Norwegian forest aid. In a meeting with Indonesian counterparts this week, the Norwegians stressed the importance of “high accountability.” Meanwhile, Greenpeace Indonesia has called on Norway to push for more transparency in the bilateral forest cooperation.

Raja Andreas indonesia KLD photo.jpg — On February 21, 2025, Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni (left) and Norwegian Climate Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen extended bilateral forest cooperation until 2030. On March 10, 2025, Norwegian embassy officials in Jakarta met with the Ministry of Forestry to raise concern about recent media reports of political nepotism in the Indonesian Environment Fund. (Photo: Norwegian Climate Ministry)

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