Enviro News Asia, Bali — The Minister of Forestry (Menhut), Raja Juli Antoni, recently clarified the government’s plan to utilize 20.6 million hectares of forest for food, energy, and water purposes. The plan had previously sparked debate among the public, with concerns over potential large-scale deforestation.
However, Minister Raja Juli Antoni assured that the forests would not be cleared or damaged. This statement was made following a mangrove planting event at Mangrove Arboretum Park in Bali on Thursday (January 16, 2025). The minister explained that the government aims to optimize forest functions by implementing an agroforestry system, which integrates the cultivation of timber trees with seasonal or food crops. In this system, forests will remain intact, while food crops such as rice and corn will be planted between large trees.
The minister further elaborated that trees such as teak and sengon could be intercropped with food crops like upland rice and corn. This approach ensures forest conservation while also producing food crops beneficial to the community. The government hopes this method will contribute to food self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on rice imports.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia imported 3.5 million tons of rice in 2023. Using the intercropping method, one hectare of forest land planted with upland rice could yield 3.5 tons of rice. If implemented across one million hectares, rice imports would no longer be necessary.
Raja Juli Antoni also noted that the use of forests for food and water reserves will be carried out across various regions of Indonesia. The initial phase of planting is scheduled to begin on January 22, 2024, covering an area of 50 hectares. This initial phase will be conducted in collaboration with the Minister of Agriculture. The plan is expected to support food security and expand the development of food estates at the village level.
