Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesian forestry experts, government officials, and journalists are currently in the United States to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), themed “Improving Forest Management.”
The program runs from April 19 to May 10, 2025. It aims to promote good forest governance and community-based conservation practices that contribute to economic prosperity.
According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Indonesia, the program takes place in Washington, D.C.; Portland and Bangor, Maine; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Sacramento, California.
Participants will meet with experts and partners from government agencies, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector to learn about innovative forest management policies, land-use strategies, and efforts to balance environmental protection with economic development.
“The United States is proud to partner with Indonesia in advancing forestry practices that promote shared prosperity,” said U.S. Embassy Spokesperson in Jakarta, Jamie Ravetz.
“This exchange offers a unique opportunity for Indonesian leaders to collaborate with American experts, share best practices, and develop innovative, community-based solutions to preserve global forests while driving economic growth.”
The program includes field visits to forest areas, logging operations, academic institutions, and conservation programs.
Participants will explore how governments at different levels and communities in the U.S. implement practical, results-oriented forest and land-use management practices, and devise strategies to ensure long-term forest health.
The Indonesian delegation consists of representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, regional planning agencies, environmental NGOs, and senior journalists focused on related topics.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the United States and meet with forest management experts, which has broadened my knowledge and perspective on modern forest management,” said Fachriany Hasan, a forestry extension officer from the Natural Resources Conservation Agency, Ministry of Environment and Forestry in North Sulawesi.
She mentioned that her favorite visit was to Portland, Maine, where she learned about reforestation, non-timber forest products, biodiversity, wildlife protection, and waste management in the wood processing industry. “The visit to Portland showed me how nature and people can live in harmony and balance.”
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. It provides firsthand insight into American society for current and emerging leaders, along with opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships with U.S. partners.
Each year, about 4,000 individuals from around the world visit the United States through IVLP. To date, more than 2,900 Indonesians have participated in the program. *
