President Jokowi Calls for Synergy between Forestry Ministry, Perhutani for Social Forestry Program

President Jokowi poses for a group photo with representatives of Social Forestry Community, at the Merdeka Palace Compound, Jakarta, Thursday (10/10). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR)

Social forestry program has yet to be well-implemented since it takes synergy between Ministry of Forestry, state-owned forestry company Perhutani, and the society, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“There are indeed many people who received benefits from the program, but there are also those who returned the Social Forestry Decrees (SK) because it cannot be implemented on the ground,” President Jokowi said when receiving representatives of Social Forestry Community, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (10/10).

The President added that the problem arose because Indonesia is a large country and the social forestry program covers not only several parcels of land, but 12.7 million hectares of land nationwide.

“As of 1 October 2019, the social forestry in Java Island alone reaches 25,000 hectares, while partnership protection scheme reaches 150,000 hectares,” he said adding that the high figure makes the implementation on the ground more difficult.

However, President Jokowi promised to solve the problem by instructing Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Agrarian and Spatial Planning, and Perhutani.

The President reminded Director General of Perhutani to solve the problem from the lowest ranks to the highest ranks and to not return to condition referred as ‘colonial age’ by the President.

“I hear and feel the aspiration voiced by Social Forestry Community. I will discuss more this issue with the Director General (of Perhutani) and its officials,” he stated.

For that reason, President Jokowi gave target to resolve all conflicts within 2 years. “There must be no conflict in the state plantation firm PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN), or in Perhutani. We have to resolve it since the problem has been dragging on for so many years,” the President instructed while citing an example of conflict resolution in Riau where 2,400 hectares of land are given to the society.

On that occasion, the President also asserted that the Government will affirm its commitment to carry out social forestry program and agrarian reform immediately. (FID/RAH/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Yuyu Mulyani