The partnership agreement is outlined in the extension of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo at the Polri Headquarters here on Monday.
Police Chief Prabowo stated that this MoU marked a significant and strategic step in implementing cooperation frameworks to protect Indonesia's forests.
He stressed the importance of preparing for potential forest and land fires as Indonesia transitions from the rainy to the dry season.
"This (MoU) strengthens our synergy in enforcing laws related to forestry issues. The National Police is ready to provide backup to effectively protect the forest," he affirmed.
In addition to forestry law enforcement, he noted that his side also discussed cooperation in supporting food security.
"There are forest areas where we can work together to plant crops, such as corn, for example, or other activities that support food security," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni noted that the forestry sector faces significant challenges, including forest and land fires.
He stated that cooperation is essential to protecting Indonesia's forests.
"With our limited human resources, cooperation with the Polri, which has personnel that can reach remote villages, will greatly assist us in protecting the forest," he affirmed.
Furthermore, Minister Antoni emphasized the need to protect plants and animals in the forests.
Therefore, he asserted that this cooperation with Polri will bolster law enforcement's efforts to crack down on individuals smuggling protected plants and animals.
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Translator: Nadia R, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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