Pekanbaru, 24 June 2026 — The GREEN for Riau Initiative, together with the Riau Provincial Plantation Agency, held a technical consultation to refine the Regional Strategy and Action Plan for REDD+ or STRADA REDD+ Riau Province.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Riau Province and the Environment and Forestry Agency (DLHK) of Riau Province as part of coordination for GREEN for Riau implementation at the provincial level.
The consultation served as a space to align the direction of STRADA REDD+ with policies, data, and plantation sector conditions in Riau Province. The meeting also strengthened shared understanding of the plantation sector’s role in supporting low-emission development and sustainable land management.
Strengthening STRADA REDD+ Development through a Consultative Process
Danang K. S., Riau Coordinator of the GREEN for Riau Initiative, stated that STRADA REDD+ is being developed through a consultative process involving relevant regional agencies and stakeholders.
According to him, input from the Riau Provincial Plantation Agency is important to ensure that the strategy and action plan being developed are more relevant to regional needs and field implementation conditions.
Through this consultative process, STRADA REDD+ is expected not only to serve as a strategic document, but also as an implementation reference that is aligned with the conditions of key sectors related to land use in Riau Province.
Balancing Ecological, Economic, Social, and Institutional Aspects
Prof. Dr. Suwondo, GREEN for Riau expert, presented the progress of STRADA REDD+ development and the strategic direction currently being formulated.
He emphasized that STRADA REDD+ is directed toward strengthening forest and land governance, supporting low-emission development, and maintaining a balance between ecological, economic, social, and institutional aspects.
This approach is important to ensure that REDD+ implementation in Riau Province can be realistic, measurable, and aligned with the regional development context.
The Role of the Plantation Sector in Low-Emission Development
The Riau Provincial Plantation Agency, represented by Vera Virgianti, Head of the Plantation Production Division, stated that the plantation sector is committed to supporting more sustainable plantation management.
She also emphasized the importance of developing a strategy that takes into account real field conditions, the diversity of smallholder institutions, and the need to synchronize policy and implementation at the site level.
Meanwhile, Riko Hernorizal, Acting Head of the Business Development and Extension Division of the Riau Provincial Plantation Agency, expressed support for data needs in the STRADA REDD+ development process, including data related to permits and other supporting information relevant to the plantation sector.
Data support from the plantation sector is an important part of ensuring that the strategy and action plan are built on a stronger information base, particularly in identifying challenges, opportunities, and intervention needs in the land-use sector.
STRADA REDD+ as a Shared Instrument
Representatives of DLHK Riau Province emphasized that STRADA REDD+ should become a shared instrument that does not operate sectorally, but instead contributes to more integrated regional development goals.
Through a cross-sectoral approach, STRADA REDD+ is expected to support stronger forest and land governance, emission reductions, ecosystem protection, and sustainable improvements in community welfare.
The discussion took place constructively, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, data alignment, and strengthened forest and land governance. All inputs gathered will be used to refine the STRADA REDD+ document before it is finalized.
Through this consultation with the Riau Provincial Plantation Agency, the GREEN for Riau Initiative continues to support the Riau Provincial Government in strengthening cross-sectoral synergy, promoting low-emission development, and building REDD+ implementation that is credible, inclusive, and sustainable.