“Agroforestry not only emphasizes short-term agricultural yields but also highlights the long-term benefits of tree cover, such as soil conservation, water protection, biodiversity enhancement, and climate change mitigation,”
Bandung, Jawa Barat (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) and the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) have launched an agroforestry training program aimed at improving human resources and workforce capacity in the forestry sector.

“The development of the agroforestry training program is expected to provide a concrete solution to two major national challenges today: sustainable forest management and the creation of long-term employment opportunities,” said Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni in his remarks at the Vocational and Productivity Training Center (BPVP) in West Bandung District, West Java, on Tuesday.

This joint program between the two ministries has now entered its third phase, running until September 13, 2025.

Antoni said the program has enrolled 388 participants, consisting of graduates from State Forestry Vocational Schools (SMKKN), rural youth, and villagers from Serang, Medan, Padang, Majalengka, and West Bandung District.

Furthermore, he stressed that agroforestry has significant potential for job creation while also positioning forests as reserves for food, energy, and water to support community welfare, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s Astacita vision.

“Agroforestry carries the potential to address various dimensions of development -- economic, social, and ecological -- simultaneously,” said Antoni.

“Agroforestry not only emphasizes short-term agricultural yields but also highlights the long-term benefits of tree cover, such as soil conservation, water protection, biodiversity enhancement, and climate change mitigation,” he added.

Antoni noted that the training represents a long-term investment in nurturing green jobs that reflect the future direction of forestry development: productive, sustainable, and inclusive.

“I believe this training is a long-term investment that will generate green jobs -- jobs that not only provide income but also protect the planet. This is the future direction of forestry development,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manpower Minister Yassierli expressed optimism that the use of social forestry and human resources in the sector will positively impact national development in the future.

“Competence is key, and at the Ministry of Manpower we provide training centers, schemes, and professional certification that can be used to improve competitiveness in the years to come,” said Yassierli.

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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Arie Novarina
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