Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) held a ceremony to mark the achievements of the Strengthening of Social Forestry (SSF) Program in Indonesia at the Manggala Wanabakti Building Auditorium in Jakarta, Monday (June 23).
The event served as both a moment of reflection and recognition for the successful implementation of the SSF Project, which has benefited 192,582 people living in and around forest areas—82% of whom are women.
The SSF Project is a collaboration between the Government of Indonesia, through the Directorate General of Social Forestry (Ditjen PS) of the Ministry of Forestry, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through The World Bank.
The program aims to accelerate the achievement of national Social Forestry targets by enhancing community access rights to forest areas within designated priority development zones (Indicative Map for Social Forestry Areas or PIAPS).
In his speech, Secretary General of the Ministry of Forestry, Dr. Mahfudz, expressed his appreciation for the accomplishments made through this program.
“This program is vital as it supports one of the Asta Cita goals—ensuring food, energy, and water security. Alhamdulillah, from Lima Puluh Kota Regency alone, 8 tons of coffee have already been exported to Dubai,” said Mahfudz in an official statement.
Despite facing numerous field challenges throughout its implementation, Mahfudz emphasized that the tangible outcomes experienced by local communities are key evidence of the program’s effectiveness.
“I believe the SSF journey has encountered significant challenges. The regional issues and the conditions of community groups have required persistent efforts by SSF. Today, we can witness the tangible results these groups have achieved,” he explained.
As part of the ceremony, an exhibition was also held to showcase products from community business groups across six SSF project locations: Lima Puluh Kota Regency (West Sumatra), South Lampung Regency (Lampung), Bima City, Bima Regency, and Dompu Regency (West Nusa Tenggara), as well as West Halmahera Regency (North Maluku).
The exhibition featured a variety of local flagship products such as traditional crafts, coffee, chili sauce, chips, and other locally produced goods.
Dr. Mahfudz expressed hope that this success would serve as an inspiration and learning model for other community groups across Indonesia.
“We hope this program can provide valuable lessons for other groups,” he concluded.
The SSF achievement ceremony will run for two days, from June 23 to 24, 2025, as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening inclusive and sustainable Social Forestry. (*)
