Enviro News Asia, Kubu Raya — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry is strengthening the governance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in West Kalimantan to provide greater business certainty, increase the added value of forest products, and support sustainable forest management.
The initiative was discussed during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on strengthening coordination and a common understanding of NTFP governance, held in Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, on August 19. The forum was organized by the Forest Sustainable Management Agency (BPHL) Region X Pontianak and brought together representatives from central and regional governments, academics, businesses, communities, and relevant institutions.
The FGD aimed to establish a shared understanding and develop strategic measures for ensuring that NTFP utilization is legal, orderly, productive, inclusive, and sustainable. The government emphasized that effective governance is essential to balance economic opportunities with the long-term protection of forest resources.
Acting Head of BPHL Region X Pontianak Irwan Instanto Purwadi Damaryono said NTFP management requires collaboration among all stakeholders. The government plays a role through regulations, guidance, and supervision, while communities, businesses, academics, and law enforcement agencies contribute according to their respective roles.
West Kalimantan has significant NTFP potential, including Liberica coffee, tirus fish, crabs, tengkawang seeds, damar resin, and other forest products. According to the West Kalimantan Environmental and Forestry Agency, these resources have important economic, social, cultural, and ecological value for local communities.
Regional authorities emphasized that strengthening NTFP governance should not focus solely on increasing production. It should also ensure legal certainty, facilitate responsible business activities, improve community welfare, and maintain the sustainability of forest resources.
Academics also highlighted the importance of science-based and collaborative approaches. Farah Diba, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry at Tanjungpura University and moderator of the FGD, said NTFPs could become an important source of green economic growth and contribute to improving community welfare if supported by reliable data, shared understanding, and coordinated policies from upstream to downstream.
The Ministry of Forestry also highlighted the importance of proper administration and traceability. Through the Forest Product Administration Information System (SIPUHH), NTFP activities can be recorded from production planning and realization through transportation and distribution. Such systems are intended to improve transparency and ensure that forest products entering the market can be properly accounted for.
Trade and market access were also discussed. The West Kalimantan Industry, Trade, Energy and Mineral Resources Agency stressed the importance of strengthening NTFP supply chains, from producers and collectors to processors and final markets, in order to improve efficiency and increase the economic value received by communities.
For international trade, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise emphasized compliance with export requirements, including restrictions and prohibitions, export declarations, and applicable state levies.
Community representatives also underlined the role of indigenous and forest-dependent communities in maintaining sustainable forest resources. Greater understanding of legal requirements, utilization mechanisms, administration, and trade procedures was considered important to help communities develop forest-based businesses while maintaining customary and village forests.
Under Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, the Ministry of Forestry continues to promote forest utilization that creates greater value for communities and businesses while maintaining sustainability principles. Strengthened regulations, capacity building, proper administration, and multi-stakeholder cooperation are expected to form the foundation for transparent, accountable, and sustainable NTFP governance.
The FGD is expected to produce practical recommendations and follow-up measures that can serve as a common reference for improving business certainty and ensuring the long-term sustainability of forest resources in West Kalimantan. (*)
