A Republic of Indonesia delegation visited the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo on May 13, 2026. Pictured here: Bronx Zoo’s Vice President Keith Lovett; The Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Raja Juli Antoni; Bronx Zoo’s Wild Animal Keeper Joe Nappi; Interim WCS Bronx Zoo Director and WCS EVP of Zoos and Aquarium Craig Piper;  Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, Winanto Adi; and Dr. Joe Smith, Vice President of the WCS Zoological Health Program

New York, USA – May 13, 2026 — The Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Raja Juli Antoni, accompanied by the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, Winanto Adi, conducted an official visit to the Bronx Zoo in the United States to strengthen international collaboration on biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management.

During the visit, the Indonesian delegation held discussions with Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Robert G. Menzi, and senior WCS leadership in New York. Both parties reaffirmed their long-standing partnership and signed a Joint Statement to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation and national park management across Indonesia.

The Joint Statement supports the Government of Indonesia’s Task Force on Innovative Financing for National Parks, established to advance effective, resilient, and financially sustainable management of protected areas. Under this initiative, WCS will continue providing technical and institutional support to four pilot national parks: Way Kambas National Park, Wakatobi National Park, Manusela National Park, and Gunung Leuser National Park. These parks represent unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity which generate critical ecosystem services for the surrounding communities.

The Joint Statement also highlights the Indonesia Biodiversity Fund (IBioFund) which is positioned as a financing mechanism in support of the Task Force’s vision. Through this role, IBioFund can help direct targeted and sustainable conservation financing to strengthen national park management and reduce long-term dependence on annual state budget allocations.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured the Bronx Zoo, managed by WCS, to observe how conservation can be integrated with scientific research, public education, community engagement and linking ex-situ and in-situ approaches to restore viable populations in the wild.

The visit reflects the strong commitment of the Government of Indonesia and WCS to advancing innovative, inclusive, and sustainable conservation solutions for Indonesia’s globally important biodiversity.

Quotes:

Raja Juli Antoni -Ministry of Forestry
“Indonesia’s forests and biodiversity are strategic national assets that play a vital role in environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community livelihoods. Through this collaboration, Indonesia seeks to strengthen concrete actions to ensure conservation efforts continue to support sustainable development and national interests. We welcome the continued partnership with WCS in advancing Indonesia’s conservation priorities and protecting our natural heritage for future generations.” 

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Robert G. Menzi
“WCS highly values its longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Forestry and looks forward to expanding our collaborative efforts in Indonesia. Together, we aim to advance impactful conservation initiatives that contribute to forest resilience, wildlife protection, and long-term environmental sustainability.”

### 

About Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia
Based on Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 175 of 2024 concerning the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Forestry is the government institution responsible for administering governmental affairs in the forestry sector.

Media Contact: Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia: Dr. Ristianto Pribadi, S.Hut., M.Tourism; Head of the Bureau of Public Relations and International Cooperation

About WCS
The Wildlife Conservation Society is a global 501 non-governmental organization, headquartered at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, with a mission to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, and education and inspiring people to value nature.