"Social Forestry will contribute to the food security program by maintaining the availability and affordability of food for the public through the promotion of agroforestry," Secretary of Social Forestry at the Ministry, Enik Eko Wati, remarked during a discussion here on Wednesday.
Agroforestry, which integrates food crops with forest trees, has already been implemented in many forest areas by communities that have received Social Forestry Decrees from the government.
Wati explained that the approved area for Social Forestry in 2024 has reached 8.3 million hectares, with 1.9 million hectares identified as suitable for agroforestry.
This figure is based on land suitability analysis conducted by the Forestry Ministry in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry.
The two ministries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to synergize efforts in supporting food security. Simultaneous agroforestry planting has been carried out in 26 locations across 21 provinces, covering a total of 122 hectares.
For 2025, the government targets the planting of upland rice across 892.34 thousand hectares, 389.4 thousand hectares of which are located in Social Forestry areas. The Social Forestry development target for food crops between 2025 and 2029 is set at 1.1 million hectares.
Wati added the ministry has started registering prospective farmers and locations (CPCL). Although the registration process is not yet optimal, it will continue to be pursued in coordination with the Agriculture Ministry.
"We have already begun the provision of rice and corn seeds, subsidized fertilizers, and agriculture assistance," she said.
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Translator: Prisca, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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