Enviro News Asia, Samarinda — The Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaires has called for the strengthening of Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH) to ensure continued productive operations and to increase contributions to East Kalimantan’s regional revenue.
The call was conveyed during a series of APHI meetings with the East Kalimantan Provincial Government, followed by discussions with Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Forestry Agency, M. Subiyantoro. The meetings focused on strategic measures to reinforce the regional forestry sector.
APHI Chairman Soewarso emphasized that regulatory certainty, simplified licensing procedures, and strong support from the regional government are critical to maintaining sustainable investment in the forestry sector.
“Well-managed and professional PBPH operations can make tangible contributions to regional development. Legal certainty and strong synergy with local governments are essential to ensure business sustainability,” Soewarso said.
He added that stable PBPH operations generate multiplier effects for the regional economy, including job creation, strengthened local economic activity, and increased regional income.
According to Soewarso, APHI continues to encourage its members to conduct forestry operations in full compliance with regulations, responsibly, and in line with environmental sustainability principles.
“With a conducive business climate, the forestry sector can become one of the main pillars of East Kalimantan’s economic development while preserving forest sustainability,” he said.
Meanwhile, Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Forestry Agency M. Subiyantoro expressed appreciation for APHI’s commitment to supporting regional forestry development. He said the provincial government remains open to constructive input from business actors and other stakeholders.
He stressed that forest management in East Kalimantan must deliver balanced social benefits for communities, economic value, and environmental conservation.
The meeting also served as a platform to strengthen collaboration among business associations, academic institutions, and regional authorities to accelerate the transformation of the forestry sector toward more adaptive, productive, and sustainable management models.
Going forward, the synergy established through these engagements is expected to speed up the implementation of landscape-based multi-business forestry and optimize the potential of non-timber forest products, ensuring that the forestry sector continues to make a significant contribution to regional development. (*)
