APHI Strengthens Commitment to Forest Conservation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) has emphasised the importance of strengthening the commitment of forestry business actors in preserving forests, while reaffirming the forestry sector’s role as a key pillar in supporting sustainable development.
APHI General Chairman Soewarso stated that amid rising global challenges, such as climate change, forest degradation, and pressures on natural resource utilisation, forestry management practices must not only be economically oriented but also uphold principles of sustainability, social responsibility, and ecological balance.
“APHI continues to commit to expanding forest cover through planting and enrichment activities in both plantation forests and natural forests, as well as ensuring that forest utilisation is carried out wisely,” he said during the Halal Bihalal Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah event themed “Self-Reflection and Uniting Hearts in Silaturahmi to Protect the Earth” in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Optimising forest utilisation through a Multi-Forestry Business approach, he continued, is the main direction for current and future forest management, accompanied by strengthened governance as well as social and environmental responsibility.
On that occasion, Soewarso also stressed the need to enhance solidarity, strengthen collaboration with the government and stakeholders, and continue innovating in sustainable forest management.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Forestry, Mahfudz MP, stated that the government continues to strengthen forestry governance through improved coordination between central and regional levels, including plans to develop a forest ecosystem management centre as a link for spatial planning policies.
“The government continues to promote sustainable forest management, preserved nature, and community welfare,” he said.
He also conveyed that on-site supervision will be strengthened through an increase in the number of Forest Police (Polhut), from around 4,800 personnel currently to approximately 21,000 personnel gradually.
Meanwhile, the Deputy for Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Natural Resources of the Ministry of Environment, Sigit Reliantoro, emphasised the need for a change in perspective in managing natural resources.
According to him, humans can no longer be positioned as owners of nature, but rather as parties entrusted with maintaining environmental balance.
“Humans may utilise natural resources, but must not damage them. Utilisation must be based on ecological limits, not solely economic considerations,” said Sigit.
He added that the current environmental crisis is a result of imbalances in natural resource management, thus requiring collective correction through more ethical policies and practices.
According to Sigit, APHI has a strategic role in driving transformation towards more sustainable forest management, not only as a representation of business actors but also as a government partner.
He hopes that all parties can strengthen cross-sectoral synergy in facing forestry challenges while promoting improvements in sustainable forest governance in Indonesia.