Enviro News Asia, Pekanbaru – Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has intensified efforts to strengthen youth participation in forest conservation through the revitalization of Saka Wanabakti, the forestry scout organization, by inaugurating new leadership and expanding institutional development in Pekanbaru, Riau Province.
The inauguration of the Advisory Council (Mabisaka) and Saka Wanabakti Branch Leadership for Pekanbaru City for the 2026–2030 term was held at the Pekanbaru State Forestry Vocational School on July 16. The event marked an important step in strengthening the organization to become more active, adaptive, professional, and responsive to future forestry challenges.
The inauguration also served as a milestone in reinforcing Saka Wanabakti’s role in developing leadership, technical competence, environmental awareness, and character among young people. An orientation program for newly appointed officials was conducted to introduce organizational governance, the Scout Movement’s policies, and Saka Wanabakti’s strategic role in supporting Indonesia’s forestry development.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Forestry’s broader institutional strengthening program, which includes integrating Saka Wanabakti into the learning system of the Pekanbaru State Forestry Vocational School. The model is expected to combine vocational forestry education with scouting activities to produce graduates equipped with technical expertise, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
The inauguration was led by the Pekanbaru Branch of the Indonesian Scout Movement, represented by Pekanbaru Fire and Rescue Agency Head Zarman Candra. The ceremony was attended by Head of the Forest Conservation Youth Development Center (Pusgenri) and Secretary-General of the National Saka Wanabakti Leadership Luckmi Purwandari, representatives of the Scout Movement, forestry education institutions, teachers, scout leaders, and youth development partners.
As part of the institutional strengthening, the Pekanbaru Scout Branch issued three official decrees establishing the new organizational structure. The decisions include the appointment of eight Advisory Council members and 12 Saka Wanabakti leaders, five Scout mentors and nine instructors, as well as the establishment of a Saka Wanabakti base at the Pekanbaru State Forestry Vocational School with six advisory members and 12 executive leaders.
Luckmi Purwandari said the growing challenges facing Indonesia’s forestry sector, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and forest and land fires, require greater participation from young people.
“Today we are not merely inaugurating new leaders. We are laying the foundation for Indonesia’s future Forest Conservation Generation. Saka Wanabakti must become a platform that develops young leaders with integrity, competence, strong character, and a genuine commitment to protecting Indonesia’s forests,” she said.
She added that effective organizational governance, strong collaboration, and measurable work programs are essential for ensuring that Saka Wanabakti delivers tangible benefits to both its members and local communities. She encouraged the new leadership to strengthen training programs, utilize digital technology, and expand partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Representing the Pekanbaru Scout Branch, Zarman Candra welcomed the institutional strengthening initiative, saying that collaboration among the Scout Movement, the forestry vocational school, and the Ministry of Forestry is a strategic effort to prepare environmentally conscious and resilient young people capable of responding to challenges such as forest and land fires.
Meanwhile, Pekanbaru State Forestry Vocational School Principal Slamet Supriyadi reaffirmed the school’s commitment to making Saka Wanabakti an integral part of student development.
He said the partnership is expected to produce graduates who excel not only in vocational and academic competencies but also in leadership, character, and dedication as Indonesia’s future forest conservation leaders.
The Ministry of Forestry expects the revitalization of Saka Wanabakti to strengthen environmental education, foster youth leadership, and support long-term forest conservation efforts across Indonesia. (*)
