Jakarta (ANTARA) - Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has said that one of the priorities of his ministry is establishing strong collaboration to expand the potential of forest areas with sustainable use.
Antoni, in a statement released here on Saturday, informed that this potential can be expanded through the implementation of multi-business forestry, which is expected to boost the local economy.
The approach is about moving beyond traditional forestry practices to unlock the full potential of forest areas through sustainable use, such as ecotourism, non-timber forest products, environmental services, and agroforestry, while maintaining the ecological balance and respecting social values.
This, according to the minister, is very important to empower forest communities, boost the local economy, and achieve a more equitable distribution of forest benefits.
He said that a working team has been formed to accelerate the implementation of the multi-business forestry model.
To ensure the program can run successfully, the ministry requires support from its partners, especially in improving capacity, widening market access, innovation, and investment.
In addition, Minister Antoni is prioritizing the acceleration of the official recognition of customary forests.
"This is an important part of our commitment to social forestry and the rights of customary communities," he said.
He stressed that forests are not just ecosystems but also homes and sources of life for many customary communities in Indonesia.
"We believe that the recognition and protection of their rights are not only about justice but also strategic measures for sustainable forest management," he said.
He further said that these priorities reflect a wider vision, namely building a forestry sector that is more adaptive, inclusive, and strong, in line with Indonesia's national development goals and global environmental commitment.
