"We want village communities living near forest areas to possess good agroforestry skills so they can contribute to their families' economies without destroying the forests," Minister Yassierli stated in Padang City on Friday.
The manpower minister made these remarks while attending the opening of the "Human Resources Empowerment (HR) in the Forestry Sector for Agroforestry Farmers" training at the Vocational and Productivity Development Center (BPVP) in Padang, West Sumatra. The training is a synergistic program between the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Forestry.
Agroforestry is a land management approach that integrates tree crops with agricultural crops or livestock within a single management system.
Yassierli explained that the training is part of a national program to enhance workforce skills in promising, local-based sectors.
Agroforestry skills are believed to offer a solution for communities, especially those near forest areas, to maintain sustainable livelihoods without damaging forest ecosystems.
The manpower minister advised the training participants to make the most of this opportunity, including learning as much as possible and strengthening their agroforestry competencies.
"Be assured that success begins with us learning together," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Padang Deputy Mayor Maigus Nasir expressed his gratitude for the training, noting its significant potential for job creation.
"This is a strategic opportunity to encourage employment in the forestry sector through an agroforestry approach, as well as a potential solution to reduce unemployment," he remarked.
He also expressed optimism that existing forest resources could be utilized productively and sustainably through a synergistic program between the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Forestry.
Looking ahead, he said the Padang City government will follow up on the program through collaboration between the Padang City Government and the Ministry of Manpower through the Job Training Center (BLK) while also collaborating with the West Sumatra Provincial Forestry Service.
Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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