The Indonesian government is making various efforts to revive the economy post the Covid-19 pandemic, one of which is by utilizing forests as a sustainable and sustainable economic driver. This was revealed by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, in a webinar on the increased role of forests in national development organized by the Institute for Sustainable Earth and Resources (I-SER) at the University of Indonesia. Forests are considered to have significant economic potential, including as a source of foreign exchange, an initial capital provider for development in other sectors, and a source of employment through forest planting, maintenance, protection, and harvesting activities. However, the utilization of forest resources must be done sustainably and following the principles of green economy in order to contribute to low-carbon economic development.
Within the framework of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), forests also play a crucial role in achieving several goals, particularly in economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Therefore, forest development policies are directed to provide maximum benefits to the prosperity of the people while preserving the integrity of forest functions. The Indonesian government has also adopted the principles of green economy in forest management policies, with the aim of ensuring sustainable forest management and contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation. In addition, the government has also engaged local communities in forest areas through the Social Forestry policy, which provides opportunities for them to apply for forest management rights, while still adhering to the principles of environmental sustainability.
