The regent in the Papua district of Merauke says his administration intends restricting palm oil operations and new permits.
Frederikus Gebze said palm oil plantation operations had destroyed the forest and caused environmental damage.
According to Tabloid Jubi, he said for the next five years his task will be to protect and ensure the sustainability of the forest.
Earlier, the EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Gerund said the European Union was strongly concerned by the environmental, education and health issues.
He said the forest should be well protected and sustained.
The ambassador said the EU had already collaborated with some other regions in Indonesia to protect their forests.
A plantation worker harvests fruit from oil palm trees in Indonesia's North Sumatra province. Photo: AFP