The Indonesia cooperation programme was launched in 2006. Projects of individual NGOs are funded through the programme. An advisory group consisting of four Indonesian and two Finnish experts assists Siemenpuu in the identification and selection of the projects.

The thematic areas of the programme are forest ecosystems and ecological democracy. This translates into the comprehensive conservation of the forest environment as well as the democratic options of the local groups to participate in the use and conservation of the forest ecosystems in a sustainable manner and respecting their own cultural viewpoints. Through this thematic focus it becomes possible to strengthen the conservation of the forests as well as the local groups living in the forests or adjacent to them.

Altogether 24 positive project funding decisions have been made within the Indonesia cooperation programme up until the beginning of 2010. The cooperation programme budget for this year is approximately 110 000 euros.

In addition to the project identification, selection and monitoring, the Indonesia advisory group organises an annual partners’ meeting in Indonesia. During the meeting the group and the supported actors evaluate the cooperation as well as define the future activities.