“We are implementing stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs), more stringent PPKH evaluations, and we will take action against violators,” said the Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Antoni stated that the efforts align with President Prabowo Subianto's directive, stating that development must continue to be carried out while maintaining a balance between ecological and economic values.
He said that the national development process must continue to be implemented because it improves the community’s economy as well as the public welfare.
"However, with this approach, the President (Prabowo Subianto) also emphasizes balanced development between the economy and ecology," he added.
For that reason, Antoni stated that the ministry has a PPKH policy, under which permit holders must continue to participate in preserving forests and the surrounding natural environment.
"Because this is a PPKH that uses forest areas for development purposes, it cannot abdicate its responsibility for forest preservation. Forest preservation must continue to be a priority," he said.
The Minister is also strengthening coordination with relevant parties, such as Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR), which oversees agriculture, forestry, and maritime affairs, to reinforce the commitment to tightening the PPKH.
One of them was through the event "Controlling Deforestation in North Maluku through Forest Area Use Approvals (PPKH) and Supervision of Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH)," held in Ternate, North Maluku, today.
"I hope the meeting will be a positive one, not only for North Maluku, but also for other provinces that have PPKH permits, to strengthen our shared commitment," Antoni said.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Zhafira, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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