Enviro News Asia, Makassar – Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has strengthened the capacity of forestry professionals by conducting competency training and certification for technical personnel responsible for managing non-timber forest products (NTFPs), supporting transparent, accountable, and sustainable forest governance.
The Directorate General of Sustainable Forest Management (PHL) organized the competency development and certification program for Forestry Technical Personnel (GANISPH) specializing in Non-Timber Forest Product (HHBK) utilization in Makassar, South Sulawesi, from August 4 to 7. The initiative forms part of the ministry’s broader effort to improve the quality of forestry human resources and enhance sustainable forest management.
The program brought together 25 participants from the Regional Sustainable Forest Management Center (BPHL) Region XV, Social Forestry Centers, Forest Management Units (KPH), and Forest Farmer Groups.
The training aligns with Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni’s policy to strengthen professional capacity across the forestry sector while expanding the role of non-timber forest products as a new source of economic growth for local communities without compromising forest ecosystems.
Director of Forest Product Revenue and Administration Krisdianto said certified GANISPH personnel play a strategic role in ensuring proper forest product administration and safeguarding state revenue through non-tax state income (PNBP).
He emphasized that technical competence, integrity, and professionalism are fundamental to achieving transparent and accountable forest governance while ensuring compliance with national regulations.
According to Krisdianto, GANISPH personnel serve as the frontline of forest product administration, making their expertise essential for maintaining legal certainty and improving the management of non-timber forest resources.
Head of BPHL Region XV Makassar Sudarmalik said the certification program is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified forestry personnel who comply with Indonesia’s National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI) in non-timber forest product management.
He noted that Indonesia’s non-timber forest products possess significant economic potential capable of improving livelihoods for communities surrounding forest areas while preserving ecological functions. Effective utilization of these resources therefore requires technically competent personnel to ensure legal compliance, sound administration, and sustainable management.
Participants received technical instruction on the duties and responsibilities of GANISPH officers before undergoing professional competency assessments. Training materials covered competency standards, administrative procedures, digital implementation through the SIGANISHUT information system, and forest product administration practices, with instructors from the Binamutu Environment and Forestry Professional Certification Institute and BPHL Region XV.
The Ministry of Forestry stated that strengthening professional forestry certification supports its broader policy to improve transparent, digitally based forest governance, optimize non-tax state revenue, increase the value of non-timber forest products, and contribute to Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 targets. (*)
