Enviro News Asia, Chuncheon — The Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) is exploring cooperation with Kangwon National University (KNU) in South Korea to advance multi-business forestry, integrating timber production, non-timber forest products and ecosystem services, including carbon projects. The approach aims to supply raw materials for timber-based industries, food production and energy while supporting climate change mitigation and Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.
The initiative was outlined by Dian Novarina, APHI’s Vice Chairwoman for Multi-Business Forestry, during a public lecture hosted by KNU in Chuncheon, South Korea, on Friday, October 16, 2026.
APHI participated as one of the speakers at the lecture organized by KNU’s Institute of Forest Science. Other speakers included MS Kaban, Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry from 2004 to 2009 under the United Indonesia Cabinet, and Professor Ho Sang Kang of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Seoul National University (SNU).
Dian delivered a presentation titled “Tropical Forest Landscapes: Indonesia’s Shift to Multibusiness Forestry.” She explained that landscape management could provide an effective approach to developing multi-business forestry in Indonesia.
“Landscape management is expected to help address common challenges in the field while building collaboration among stakeholders and different parties,” Dian said.
She emphasized that successful implementation of multi-business forestry through landscape management would require international cooperation and investment. Such partnerships could support the development of high-value non-timber forest products and the generation of high-quality, high-integrity carbon credits.
To support these objectives, APHI is seeking opportunities to collaborate with Kangwon National University.
“Potential areas of cooperation include peatland management, mangrove restoration, forest rehabilitation and improved forest management,” Dian said.
Earlier, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, APHI held discussions in Seoul with Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) Executive Director Chongho Park on cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea in forestry and forest carbon.
On Friday, October 16, APHI also met with Kangwon National University Chancellor Ki-Oug Yo and Professor Jeong-su Lee, Dean of the College of Forest and Environmental Science. KNU is the only university in South Korea with a dedicated College of Forest and Environmental Science, according to the information provided by APHI.
The visit continued with participation in the International Symposium organized by KNU’s Institute of Forest Science, further supporting engagement on forestry research and potential international collaboration.
Through these engagements, APHI aims to strengthen international partnerships that can support sustainable forest management, diversify forestry-based economic activities and expand the contribution of Indonesia’s forest sector to climate change mitigation. (*)
