22 June 2010

Jakarta (22/06) — Having gone through process involving various stakeholders, Sumatra Sustainability Fund (SSF) is launched today in Jakarta. Some Ministers from United Indonesia Cabinet II, national figures, and Sumatran Governors attended the event to show their support.
Indonesian Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Hatta Rajasa, in his speech said that SSF is a constructive respond toward the commitment of 10 Sumatran Governors to saving Sumatra ecosystem which was declared at IUCN Congress in Barcelona last 2008. “The strong commitment to conservation cannot be separated from financing aspects. Long term and sustainable financing is the most appropriate approach to address conservation issues,” he said.
“The foundation is expected to accelerate sustainable development process in Sumatra. The sustainable Sumatra is the major mission of Sumatra sustainable development in carrying life and prosperity for Sumatran people as well as for the world citizens,” he added. Member of Presidential Advisory Council Prof. Dr. Emil Salim also expressed his support. “I hope SSF will be able to facilitate financing opportunities to save Sumatra nature and environment, completing the existing for conservation in Sumatra.”
Minister of Home Affairs Gamawan Fauzi said, “SSF’s role in distributing global fund is expected to be able to enhance cross-sector, cross-institution, and cross-actor partnership for more comprehensive and integrated ecosystem management.”
Furthermore, Minister of Forestry Zulkifli Hasan highlighted the specific and high value of Sumatra ecosystem both at national and global levels. “In the island, there are four flagship species living in harmony; tigers, elephants, orang-utans, and Sumatran rhinos. Sumatra forest also plays great roles as water catchment area, carbon storage, and source of medicinal plants as well as livelihood for millions of people. I strongly support SSF. I hope it can facilitate communication between stakeholders who work for saving Sumatra ecosystem and complete the existing fund.”
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Indonesia Dr. Efransjah hailed SSF launching.
“The great support and commitment from both local and central government indicates a serious response from the government to save Sumatra ecosystem. WWF-Indonesia is committed to support the government in enhancing the management of high ecological value areas in Sumatra.”
For further information, please contact:
Sri Mariati, Executive Director of Sumatra Sustainability Funds (SSF), email, smariati@wwf.or.id, mobile +62 812 7567765
Notes to Editors:
About Sumatra Sustainabiliy Funds (SSF)
SSF was initially established by six founders on 12 February 2010 in Jakarta and was facilitated by Indonesian Coordinating Minister for the Economy in collaboration with WWF-Indonesia. The foundation was formed as an initiative of sustainability funds for Sumatra conservation. The sustainability funds aims to support development process which has been carrying to complete the needs of today and future generation.
The conservation efforts in Sumatra need supports from various stakeholders, the government, private sectors, as well as civil society. Synergy and cross-parties collaboration are needed for promoting sustainable Sumatra. SSF plays its role to facilitate multi-stakeholders. Furthermore, SSF does not work directly to ecosystem conservation practices. On the other hand, it provides supporting mechanism for all stakeholders in the ecosystem conservation in Sumatra.