“For us, social forestry is a shared movement to ensure fair access to forest management, open real economic opportunities, and maintain forest sustainability across generations,” Antoni said in a statement from Jakarta.
The program allows communities living near forests to apply for management rights and cultivate land using environmentally sustainable methods.
Antoni said the initiative has granted access to more than one million households, supported the growth of 15,852 Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS), and generated up to Rp4 trillion (about US$240 million) in economic value.
He added that the government aims to recognize 1.4 million hectares of customary forests by 2029, strengthening legal protections for Indigenous peoples, whom he called “the best guardians of the forest.”
The ministry, he said, is prioritizing faster permit issuance, intensive support for KUPS, and improved market and financing access for community-run forestry businesses.
Other priority measures include digitizing services, tightening protection against illegal encroachment, and expanding cooperation with regional governments, private companies and civil society groups.
These efforts, he said, are designed to position social forestry as a driver of green economic growth in rural areas and a key tool for curbing deforestation and meeting national climate goals.
“Social forestry is a key element in Indonesia’s diplomacy as the world’s third-largest tropical forest owner,” he said.
Antoni added that the community-based approach has strengthened Indonesia’s standing in global forums, including discussions on sustainable development goals, emission reduction and broader climate action.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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