On the evening of February 11, Ambassador Blake brought together a delegation of Acehnese leaders led by Governor Zaini Abdullah to engage with civil society on sustainable development challenges in Aceh. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Blake advocated that stakeholders find a balance between conservation and economic development that advances livelihoods for the four million Sumatrans in and around the Leuser Ecosystem. Over 200 attended the lively discussion at @america in addition to a Consulate Medan audience that joined by live video feed. In a joint press appearance with Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah before the event, the Ambassador highlighted the USG’s work to support biodiversity and sustainable development throughout Indonesia.
