Jakarta, October 18, 2019 - In the spirit of partnership in accordance with Point 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Partnership for the Goals", today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendesa PDTT) and WWF-Indonesia took place at the Kemendesa PDTT Office. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Secretary General of Kemendesa PDTT RI Anwar Sanusi and WWF-Indonesia CEO Rizal Malik covers community development and empowerment programs towards green independent areas in villages, disadvantaged areas, and transmigration areas. Also present to witness the signing were the Director General of Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration, as well as the Director General of Rural Area Development and the staff of Kemendesa PDTT and WWF-Indonesia.

"This partnership aims to strengthen the capacity of village institutions while maintaining local traditions, wisdom, and knowledge. This partnership also supports the development of natural resource-based and sustainably managed village economic products, which pave the way for the welfare of village communities and rural areas," said Secretary General of Kemendesa PDTT Anwar Sanusi in his remarks.

In the afternoon, on the sidelines of the launch of the book Sea of the Nation's Future: Marine and Fisheries Transformation 2014-2017, the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and WWF-Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding 2019-2023 on the Management and Conservation of Marine and Fisheries Resources for Sustainable Use. The Secretary General of KKP and the CEO of WWF-Indonesia signed the Memorandum of Understanding, witnessed by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries as well as the Board of Management, Supervisors and Trustees of the WWF Indonesia Foundation along with KKP and WWF-Indonesia officials. This Memorandum of Understanding is an extension of the previous memorandum of 2014-2017.

Praise and gratitude to Allah SWT for the implementation of a joint understanding between two strategic ministries, namely Kemendesa PDTT and KKP with WWF-Indonesia. The scope of our conservation work with Kemendesa PDTT is focused on the development and empowerment of rural communities. WWF-Indonesia recognizes the important role of villages and their communities in the management and sustainable use of natural resources to achieve equitable welfare," said WWF-Indonesia CEO Rizal Malik.

"While under the umbrella of cooperation with KKP, we will continue programs to improve fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, improved management, responsible access to fishery products, human resource capacity building and marine and fisheries research. We hope that through this partnership, Indonesia can be sovereign and host in its own country. WWF-Indonesia is always ready to be an integral part of Indonesia's sustainable development," concluded Rizal.

- DONE -

For more information, please contact:

Karina Lestiarsi, Media Relation Specialist WWF-Indonesia, Email: Klestiarsi@wwf.id | HP: +62 852-181-616-83

About WWF-Indonesia:

WWF-Indonesia is an independent national organization and part of WWF's global network. Starting work in Indonesia in 1962 with the Javan Rhino study in Ujung Kulon, WWF-Indonesia is currently active in 34 fieldwork areas in 17 provinces ranging from Aceh to Papua. Supported by around 500 staff, WWF-Indonesia works closely with the government, local and indigenous communities, the private sector, academia, civil society and the wider public. Since 2006, WWF-Indonesia has been supported by approximately 100,000 domestic supporters.