"Forest and land rehabilitation is not mere planting activities, as it is part of our efforts to advance the green economy with the objective of producing economically valuable agricultural commodities that can support food, energy, and water security," he stated.
In a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, the deputy minister highlighted ensuring the nation's self-sufficiency in food, energy, and water is mandated in Presidential Instruction No. 14 of 2025.
Moreover, this agenda is line with one of President Prabowo Subianto's eight primary missions, collectively known as the Asta Cita, which also highlights the government's commitment to the creative economy and blue economy, he added.
He further emphasized the need to formulate strategies to boost and amplify the impact and achievement of forest and land rehabilitation activities, suggesting strengthening related regulations and policies and solidifying synergy among relevant stakeholders.
"It is equally important to provide bureaucratic support for forest and land rehabilitators, optimize feasible financing schemes, as well as leverage information technology and broaden networks to expand market access for the commodities generated," Shiddiq added.
In this regard, he noted that his ministry's Director General of Watershed Control and Forest Rehabilitation annually holds an event to market products from forest and land rehabilitation activities.
He expressed hope that the initiative would serve as an effective platform to promote and market such commodities to boost the green economy.
"Such an event can also act as a means to raise people's awareness about the importance of maintaining forest sustainability and to foster synergy between the government, the public, and the private sector," he concluded.
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Translator: Arnidhya N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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