Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing social forestry as a key driver of the green economy during a working visit to Desa Perupuk, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra, on Wednesday (September 10, 2025). He was accompanied by Deputy Forestry Minister Sulaiman Umar Siddiq.
“The presence of the government in Desa Perupuk reflects our commitment to strengthening synergy with communities, local governments, academia, businesses, and development partners. Together, we can ensure social forestry becomes a sustainable engine of the green economy,” Raja Antoni said.
The visit was attended by Batu Bara Regent Baharuddin Siagian, the provincial forestry and environment office, and the regional forestry unit. Local communities welcomed the dialogue, which further encouraged their participation in protecting mangrove ecosystems. Regent Baharuddin expressed appreciation for the central government’s attention to coastal communities and pledged continuous support for the Cinta Mangrove Farmers Group.
Cinta Mangrove is a recognized Social Forestry Group operating under the Community Forest (HKm) scheme, with formal approval granted through Ministerial Decree No. SK.5467/MENLHK-PSKL/PKPS/PSL.0/8/2018. The group actively engages in mangrove planting, conservation, and sustainable use, with eco-tourism as its main business model. Attractions include jungle tracks, culinary tourism, archery, fishing, crab farming, and cultural pavilions. The initiative generates around Rp 2 billion annually, and in July 2025, the group was awarded Platinum status as a Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS).
Beyond eco-tourism, the mangrove area managed by the group also serves as a stopover site for migratory birds from Russia and China, making it an important conservation area on the East Coast of Batu Bara Regency. The site is being considered for nomination as part of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Network, which would provide international recognition and access to global conservation support.
The minister stressed that the success of social forestry depends on cross-sector collaboration. “The participation of communities, combined with government and private sector support, is crucial for balancing ecosystem protection with sustainable economic growth,” he emphasized. (*)
