Forestry Minister commits to competency-based HR development and meritocracy
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has affirmed his commitment to improving the competencies of the national forestry sector’s human resources.
“(We are) striving to create an objective talent pool, based on merit — founded on a person’s capacity and performance, not their ethnicity, religion, or where they come from,” said Raja Antoni in a statement issued in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He went on to say that this effort aligns with his steps to build a merit system within the Ministry of Forestry as the foundation of bureaucratic reform.
According to him, the promotion and career development of civil servants (ASN) must also be based on capacity, competence, and performance — not on personal proximity or particular backgrounds.
“I am continuing to do my utmost to build a merit system, meritocracy, within this ministry,” he said.
“This system is indeed not yet perfect. But I hope it will become my legacy, together with the Deputy Minister (Deputy Forestry Minister Rochmat Marzuki). Where later, I want colleagues and juniors alike who perform well — without needing to know the minister or deputy minister — to be digitally recorded, recognised through the platform we have, which can be accessed by everyone,” he added.
According to Minister Raja Antoni, bureaucratic reform is not only about changing the organisational structure, but also about changing the work culture.
He noted that the process does not always run smoothly and has the potential to cause turbulence.
“You are the most important part of this process of change. Let us continue working to improve the ministry for the better, to safeguard forest sustainability, ensure development continues, and keep improving the welfare of the people,” he said.
In addition, he said he is encouraging all civil servants to keep improving themselves through both formal and non-formal learning.
He stated that the Ministry of Forestry will continue to strengthen human resource development, including opening up education and scholarship opportunities to prepare future generations of forestry leaders.
“Never stop learning. Learning comes not only through formal education, but also from superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. As a minister myself, I never stop learning, so that every decision taken is truly based on a comprehensive understanding,” he said.