Enviro News Asia, Bogor – The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, held a meeting with the academic community of the Faculty of Forestry at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) on Tuesday (January 7, 2025). The Minister was received by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry at IPB, Naresworo Nugroho, along with his team.
During the meeting, the two parties explored potential collaborations, including data sharing through smart forestry. “Collaboration with various stakeholders in forest conservation is crucial, including partnerships with universities,” said the Minister of Forestry, adding that the input provided by academic institutions is essential for formulating sound policies.
Raja Antoni stated that in developed countries, policymakers receive input from diverse sources, ensuring that the policies enacted deliver optimal benefits for the nation.
There are numerous opportunities for collaboration in the area of smart forestry. For instance, smart forestry can help monitor forest fire risk systems, track national forest conditions, and develop microsatellites for food security and environmental monitoring. Additionally, partnerships could involve work on Special Purpose Forest Areas (KHDTK) as well as strengthening the functions of conservation areas and biodiversity preservation.
Raja Antoni emphasized the importance of synergy in addressing forestry-related issues. “I am very open to collaboration. There are many challenges that need to be resolved, and I cannot tackle them alone. It requires collective effort. While waiting for the MoU, let’s begin with whatever can be done now,” said Raja Antoni.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry at IPB, Naresworo Nugroho, expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Forestry. He acknowledged the numerous forestry challenges that need to be addressed, noting their complexity. “The issues span from upstream to downstream. Therefore, cooperation with all parties is necessary. If forestry thrives, it will naturally increase the younger generation’s interest in forestry. We are ready to synergize and establish collaboration,” he stated
