Today Indonesia officially welcomes President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono to lead the country in overcoming its challenges during the next five years. One of the biggest challenges for the re-elected President is climate change.

I am realizing my special position as a steward of large blocks of natural forests in Indonesia. I am committed to a joint policy of environmentally friendly, sustainable economic development and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) targeted at reducing poverty, protecting community rights over natural resources, stimulating employment, and attracting investment. I am therefore calling for avoidance of deforestation and forest degradation in my province, especially its all important peat lands, which store more carbon per hectare than any other ecosystem on earth.