InfoSAWIT, BALI – The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Forestry, has emphasized the importance of a multidimensional approach to managing Indonesia's forest resources. This was conveyed during the 7th International Conference on Oil Palm and Environment (ICOPE), which discussed the challenges and opportunities of sustainable forest management.
Saparis Soedarjanto, Secretary of the Directorate General of Sustainable Forest Management at the Ministry of Forestry, stated that Indonesia, as the owner of one of the largest and most significant forest ecosystems in the world, ranks third in rainforest area and second in biodiversity. More than 65% of Indonesia's land area, or over 125 million hectares, is designated as National Forest Areas, which include production forests, protected forests, and conservation forests.
"Forests are a vital part of the landscape that regulates ecological processes, supports life systems, and maintains environmental health by providing clean air, water, and soil," Saparis said during the ICOPE event attended by InfoSAWIT on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Forests not only provide space and materials for human activities such as settlement, recreation, and agriculture but also produce various resources, including food, industrial raw materials, energy, and genetic materials. In addition to tangible benefits, forests also offer intangible services such as spiritual enlightenment and aesthetic experiences.
Historically, the Indonesian people have long utilized forests to meet their livelihoods. In the 1970s, forest resources became one of the main pillars of national development. "Forests were seen as an important entity for economic growth, which encouraged increased logging activities and land conversion to support industrialization and infrastructure development," Saparis explained.
However, this era of exploitation has also left significant impacts, such as the conversion of logged-over areas into industrial plantations, including palm oil plantations.
According to Forestry Law No. 41/1999, forests are defined as integrated ecosystems in landscapes dominated by tree communities. "From this definition, both forests and palm oil are part of the same landscape. Both play important roles in maintaining biodiversity, supporting local and global economies, and providing livelihoods through renewable resources and various environmental services," Saparis stated.
He emphasized the importance of assessing the full functions of forest ecosystems to develop effective strategies for providing good environmental services, such as air, soil, water, and biodiversity, while creating ecological balance.
To manage forest resources sustainably, a multidimensional approach that considers ecological, social, and economic aspects is necessary. "We must ensure that forest utilization activities do not sacrifice ecosystem balance and community welfare," Saparis stressed.
He also highlighted the importance of justice and sustainability principles in forestry practices, as mandated by the Forestry Law. "Our goal is to maximize human welfare while preserving forests," he added.
In facing global challenges such as climate change and deforestation, Indonesia is committed to strengthening sustainable forest management. "We hope that collaboration between the government, private sector, and communities can create inclusive and sustainable forest management models," Saparis concluded.
With this step, Indonesia aims not only to preserve its natural wealth but also to become a global example of responsible forest management. (T2)
